Conservation Federation vol 84 no 6 by Conservation Federation

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

The Voice for Missouri Outdoors NOVEMBER 2023 - VOL 84 | NO. 6

FOUNDERS CIRCLE PRESERVING OUR CONSERVATION HERITAGE For more than eighty-eight years, the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) has served as “The Voice for Missouri Outdoors.” Join in our efforts to secure our stronghold as advocates for our state’s wildlife and natural resources by becoming a dedicated member of our Founders Circle. Your contribution will play an influential role in preserving Missouri’s rich outdoor heritage. Each year, earnings from the endowment will be used to support CFM’s education and advocacy efforts. Special recognition will be given to those who reach each level of giving. Additionally, memberships will be recognized at our annual Convention. Make your contribution today, to preserving our state’s conservation legacy.

Silver Level David Urich-2023 Bronze Level Zach Morris-2022 Mike Schallon-2023 Liz Cook-2023 Gene Gardner-2023 Charlie Wormek- 2023

Founders Circle Levels Bronze - $5,000 to $9,999 Silver - $10,000 to $34,999 Gold - $35,000 to $74,999 Diamond - $75,000 or More 2

For more information contact Michelle at 573-634-2322 Ext. 104 or mgabelsberger@confedmo.org CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Director’s Message

Fall Into Nature

he crispness of the air and the smell of being outdoors in Missouri in the fall season has a feeling like no other. It is the perfect season to connect and get outside before we spend the winter huddled around the fireplace. These smells and feelings take me back to my youth when I explored the woods and creeks on our family farm in Maries County. It especially takes me back to my excitement of shooting my first bow that we had borrowed from a family friend. I had a few mismatched aluminum arrows that I shot into a cardboard box filled with old rags to stop my arrows. I shot that box until nothing was left of it, and I had blisters on my shooting fingers. In future seasons as I got older, I saved up my lawn mowing money to purchase my first bow, a used wooden limbed compound bow. I also bought three feathered arrows and a pack of Muzzy Broadheads to round out my essential tools for the deer woods. The evening that I harvested my first deer with my bow, my dad let me go sit while he cut wood on a different part of our farm. Since that was before rangefinders, I walked off 10 and 20 paces and stuck sticks in the ground at those respective locations to help me judge the distance. Sure enough, a doe had come into the food plot, and I let an arrow fly. To my astonishment it hit her perfectly, she didn’t run very far and toppled over. When Dad came to pick me up, and we found the deer, he was as shocked as I was. Having just recently gotten back from an archery trip in the Rocky Mountains with some great friends chasing elk and having taken dozens of deer with a bow, I am not sure there will be as one as special as that first deer. Think back to your experience of harvesting your first animal, or getting outdoors for an adventure. I can’t wait to pass archery hunting onto my kids in the coming seasons, so they can experience that joy and excitement. I am hanging onto a few of my used hunting items to get them started out, just like several people did for me. Passing on these traditions to the next generation is so incredibly important. One new way we did that this year was through the Governor’s Mentored Deer Hunt. It took place back in the new October portion of the antlerless season for people who have never harvested a deer before.

Tyler is pictured with his oldest daughter Dalaney Faith, and the deer she harvested last youth season. (Photo: Tyler Schwartze)

Thanks to all the partners, mentors and property owners who spent countless hours helping pull this event off. If you have a property that you are willing to let new hunters come learn the basics and harvest some antlerless deer on your place next year, please let me know. One final reminder before heading out this deer season. I encourage you to Share the Harvest if possible. The article on page 54 will tell you all you need to know. We are in our third year of snack sticks, which provide venison-rich protein to hungry youth of our state. Or please consider donating to this worthy program by going to: https://confedmo.org/share-the-harvest/. As costs rise, your financial support is needed more than ever. Thanks for your continued support of CFM, Share the Harvest, Conservation Leadership Corps and all our other worthy initiatives this year! Have a safe and wonderful end to the year, and we will see you in 2024! Yours in Conservation, Tyler Schwartze CFM Executive Director, Editor NOVEMBER - 2023

CONTENTS

Conservation Federation November 2023 - V84 No. 6

Features

OFFICERS Zach Morris - President Bill Kirgan - President Elect Ginny Wallace -Vice President Benjamin Runge - Secretary Bill Lockwood - Treasurer

STAFF Tyler Schwartze - Executive Director, Editor Micaela Haymaker - Director of Operations

Michelle Gabelsberger - Membership Manager Nick Darling - Education and Communications Coordinator Trisha Ely - Development & Events Coordinator

Wild Souls Shop With a Conservation Agent Program

Joan VanderFeltz - Administrative Assistant

The Last Christmas Tree

Emma Kessinger - Creative Director

Choosing a Properly-Fitting Firearm

The Shack

The Christmas Day Deer

Calling Teal with Polk Pattern Calls

The Endangered Species Act at 50

Trout Fishing in a Cold, Late-Winter Rain

Belch

Everyone Needs A Special Place

Protect Our Heritage: Recognize and Treat Invasive Plants with Help from MoIP

Departments 3 8 11 14

Director's Message President's Message Life Members Affiliate Spotlight

ABOUT THE MAGAZINE

Highlights 9 13 17 57

Events Schedule Bees & Butterflies Fundraiser CFM Mega Raffle CFM Elections

CFM Mission: To ensure conservation of Missouri’s wildlife and natural resources, and preservation of our state’s rich outdoor heritage through advocacy, education and partnerships. Conservation Federation is the publication of the Conservation Federation of Missouri (ISSN 1082-8591). Conservation Federation (USPS 012868) is published bi-monthly in January, March, May, July, September and November for subscribers and members. Of each member’s dues, $10 shall be for a year’s subscription to Conservation Federation. Periodical postage paid in Jefferson City, MO and additional mailing offices. Send address changes to: Postmaster Conservation Federation of Missouri 728 West Main Jefferson City, MO 65101

FRONT COVER This photo of a white tailed deer was captured by Dan Bernskoetter using a Canon 7D MkII camera, Canon 100-400 mm lens with 1.4 teleconverter. Settings 1/640 sec, f/8 and ISO 800.

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Business Partners

Thank you to all of our Business Partners. Platinum

Gold Bushnell Doolittle Trailer Enbridge, Inc.

G3 Boats MidwayUSA Pure Air Natives

Redneck Blinds Rusty Drewing Chevrolet Roeslein Alternative Energy, LLC

Missouri Wildflowers Nursery Mitico Quaker Windows

Simmons Starline, Inc. St. James Winery

Gray Manufacturing Company, Inc. HMI Fireplace Shop Hodgdon Powder Company, Inc. Missouri Wine & Grape Board NE Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.

NW Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. Ozark Bait and Tackle Williams-Keepers LLC Woods Smoked Meats

Dickerson Park Zoo Farmer’s Co-op Elevator Association Gascosage Electric Cooperative General Printing Service GREDELL Engineering Resources, Inc. Heartland Seed of Missouri LLC Hulett Heating & Air Conditioning Independent Stave Company

Kansas City Parks and Recreation Lewis County Rural Electric Coop. Missouri Native Seed Association Scobee Powerline Construction Sprague Excavating Tabor Plastics Company Truman’s Bar & Grill United Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Silver Custom Metal Products Forrest Keeling Nursery Learfield Communication, Inc. Lilley’s Landing Resort & Marina

Bronze Association of Missouri Electric Coop. Black Widow Custom Bows, Inc. Burgers’ Smokehouse Central Electric Power Cooperative Drury Hotels

Iron Bass Pro Shops (Independence) Bee Rock Outdoor Adventures Blue Springs Park and Recreation Brockmeier Financial Services Brown Printing Cap America Central Bank Community State Bank of Bowling Green

Your business can benefit by supporting conservation. For all sponsorship opportunities, call (573) 634-2322.

NOVEMBER - 2023

"The Voice for Missouri Outdoors" Mission: To ensure conservation of Missouri’s wildlife and natural resources, and preservation of our state’s rich outdoor heritage through advocacy, education and partnerships. In 1935, conservationists from all over Missouri came together to form the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) with the purpose to take politics out of conservation. The efforts of our founders resulted in the creation of Missouri's non-partisan Conservation Commission and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). Since then, CFM has been the leading advocate for the outdoors in Missouri.

Partnerships

Over 100 affiliated organizations Share the Harvest Corporate & Business Partnerships State & Federal Agency Partnerships National Wildlife Federation Affiliate Operation Game Thief Operation Forest Arson David A. Risberg Memorial Grants Missouri Stream Team

Education

Conservation Leadership Corps Missouri Collegiate Conservation Alliance Confluence of Young Conservation Leaders Affiliate Summit Scholarships for youth and students Governor’s Youth Turkey Hunt National Archery in the Schools Grants Conservation Federation Magazine

Advocacy

Legislative Action Center Resolutions to lead change Natural Resource Advisory Committees Conservation Day at the Capitol Staff and members testify in hearings for conservation and natural resources

Young Professionals

Conservation Federation of Missouri began

1935

State Wildlife and Forestry Code published

1936

1940

Wildlife and Forestry Act passed

1944

1946

First deer season since 1937

Amendment 4 created Missouri's non-political Conservation Commission

First turkey season in 23 years

1958

1960

First hunter safety program formed

Missouri Department of Natural Resources formed

1969

1974

Urban fishing program formed in St. Louis; first in the nation

Operation Game Thief formed

1976

Design for Conservation Sales Tax passed

1982

1984

Stream Teams formed

1989

Parks and Soils Sales Tax passed

Missouri voters Outdoor renewed Action Parks and Soils Sales Committee formed Tax by 70.8%

Share the Harvest formed

1991

1992

Operation Forest Arson formed

2002

2006

Conservation Leadership Corps formed

2007

2009

Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program formed

CFM Celebrates 85 years

2016

2020

Parks and Soils Sales Tax renewed by voters by the highest percentage to date (80%)

Ways You Can Support CFM Membership

Life Membership

Affiliate Membership

Business Partnerships

Scholarships and Grant Support

Event Sponsorship and Product Donation

Support our efforts to promote and protect conservation and natural resources in our state. Members will receive our magazine six times a year, event information, our bi-weekly enewsletter, and the opportunity to grow our voice. CFM provides the platform for a diverse group of organizations to have their conservation voices be heard. Affiliates have the opportunity to apply for grants, receive educational training and promote the mission of their organization. CFM provides scholarships to graduates and undergraduates. We also provide grant funds to youth education programs and to affiliate projects. Contributing will help future generations initiate boots on the ground projects.

Become a life member for $1,000. Life memberships are placed in an endowment fund that allows us to continue our work in perpetuity.

Business partners will enjoy recognition in each magazine issue along with opportunities to reach and engage with our active membership. Ask us about our different Business Partnership levels. All of our events have raffles with both silent and live auctions. The contributions of in-kind products and services not only assists in raising funds for conservation, but also promote the businesses that support CFM.

Conservation Federation of Missouri 728 West Main St, Jefferson City, MO 65101 Phone: (573) 634-2322 ~ Email: info@confedmo.org www.confedmo.org

Become a Member today! ____ ____ ____ ____ ____

Description Individual Supporter Individual Advocate Individual Sustaining Youth/Student Individual Lifetime

Price $35.00 $60.00 $100.00 $20.00 $1,000.00

Name: E-mail: Phone: Address: Credit Card #: Exp. Date:

Join online confedmo.org/join

President’s Message

Missouri’s Conservation Legacy

s a write this, CFM just celebrated its 88th anniversary. September 10th, 1935, a group of concerned citizens got together in Columbia Missouri in an attempt to save declining fish and wildlife populations. Their solution: get politics out of conservation. Through initiative petition, this group of visionaries, with the support of Missouri’s citizens, was able to create a new system for conservation in our state. By enshrining the authority to manage fish, forests, and wildlife in the Constitution, Missouri had protected conservation from political attacks by the legislature and created a system that became the envy of many other states. Our Conservation Commission is one of the things that makes Missouri the best conservation state in the country, but not the only one. CFM has led other efforts to strengthen our state’s conservation efforts over the years, including the adoption of a 1/8th of one percent conservation sales tax and a 1/10th of one percent parks, soil, and water conservation sales tax. If, like me, you grew up in a time when this system was already in place, it can be easy to take it for granted. But when you start to look, it isn’t hard to notice the amazing benefits we enjoy as a result. Of course, Missouri is an amazing place to hunt and fish, and our abundant game and public land upon which to pursue them are a direct result of decades of conservation success. But did you know Missouri is one of the best states for hiking, biking, and state parks? In 2013, Missouri was named the Best Trails State by American Trails. That’s right, not Colorado, or somewhere in Appalachia, but right here in Missouri you can enjoy some of the best trails in the country. No doubt the Katy Trail is part of the reason for that recognition, but we also have the Ozark Trail, the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, and soon, we’ll be enjoying the Rock Island spur of the Katy Trail. The Missouri Department of Conservation alone manages 600 miles of trails on its conservation areas, not to mention the countless miles across the great variety of public lands in our state. Missouri is not only a great trail state, but we have a nationally recognized state park system as well. We have 93 State Parks and Historic Sites with a huge variety of attractions. From campgrounds and trout parks to castles and waterfalls, Missouri State Parks have it all.

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

CFM is investing in the next generation of conservation leaders through our Conservation Leadership Corps program. Over the past 22 years, the program has produced many current and future leaders for Missouri and beyond.

In fact, in 2015, Ha Ha Tonka State Park, located at Lake of the Ozarks, was voted the #4 state park in the country by readers of USA Today. And the best part? They’re free. It’s what inspired me to write this article. Recently, I enjoyed some hiking and fishing at a state park in Colorado, after paying for a daily vehicle pass. It was definitely worth the small entry fee, but it reminded me how lucky we are in Missouri. All 93 of our state parks are accessible without entry fees or parking fees, thanks to the long history of strong citizen support for conservation and outdoor recreation. I wanted to write this article to brag on Missouri a little bit, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the constant political battles that it has taken to preserve our conservation legacy. As far back as the 1930s and continuing to this day, CFM has been leading the fight to represent Missouri’s conservation values to our government. Whether that means protecting against legislative attacks or fighting for conservation in court, we will always be there to ensure that all Missourians can enjoy our abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Visiting a state park or conservation area is a great way to celebrate the season with your loved ones. When you do, take some time to reflect on the significance of our conservation legacy. Maybe I’ll see you out there. Zach Morris President, CFM

2023 Events Schedule 87th Annual Convention- February 21 - 26

Let your voice be heard at the Annual Convention. The event will include meetings, awards, auctions, and so much more. Held at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Conservation Day at the Capitol- April 5

Join conservationists from across Missouri on the radio for a day of celebrating and supporting conservation and natural resources. The broadcast will air from 6 am to 10 am on 96.7 FM or KCMQ.com.

Pull for Conservation: Northwest- April 15

Join CFM for the 7th annual Northwest clay shoot at Boot Hill Shooting Ground in Hamilton.

CFM Life Member Event- June 3

CFM will be hosting its 2nd annual life member only event in Rhineland.

Conservation Federation Banquet: Columbia- July 13

Fish or kayak then eat a fantastic meal while supporting CFM at Bass Pro Shops in Columbia.

Pull for Conservation: Central- August 12

Take your best shot at the 17th annual Central clay shoot at Prairie Grove Shotgun Sports.

Affiliate Summit- September 7 & 8

CFM affiliate organizations are invited to network and learn with fellow professionals.

Conservation Federation Online Auction- October 11 - 20

Enjoy a fun and interactive online auction with many great trips and prizes.

Holiday Online Auction- December 4 - 14

Bid on many exciting items just in the time for the holidays. Event dates are subject to change. Please visit www.confedmo.org or follow us on social media for the most up to date schedule.

Member News

Why I Became a Life Member of CFM: Judy Ash

was born and raised in St. James, MO, where I spent my childhood playing outdoors and relishing the beauty of Meramec Spring Park. Looking back, I realize the profound blessing of growing up in a small town with one of Missouri's most magnificent natural treasures right on our doorstep. In 2010, I had the privilege of attending my first CFM (Conservation Federation of Missouri) Annual Convention. It was there that I encountered a host of remarkable individuals, and I was particularly captivated by the resolution process and the spirited interaction it fostered between seasoned CFM members and the budding conservation enthusiasts of the Conservation Leadership Corps (CLC). For those unfamiliar with CLC, it's a program that engages high school through college sophomores in conservation activities and policy-making within CFM. Witnessing the enthusiasm and dedication of these young minds left an indelible mark on me. That memorable Saturday evening marked a pivotal moment in my life as I decided to actively engage with CFM. I eagerly volunteered for the Membership Committee and have since contributed to various aspects of the organization. Over the years, I have lent my support to the Annual Convention Committee, Ways and Means Committee, and even co-chaired the Springfield Banquet Series.

In Memory & Honor

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Missouri is a state of exceptional beauty, known for its abundant wildlife and rich natural resources. This owes much to the tireless advocacy of CFM, which has been dedicated to this cause for over 88 years. I take great pride in my status as a life member of CFM and in my modest contributions to furthering their mission. I wholeheartedly encourage those who have not already done so to join our ranks. Get actively involved by participating in committees, volunteering at annual conventions and other events, supporting fundraisers, becoming a life member, and consider making an end-of-life donation. By supporting CFM, we ensure that the next generation can continue to revel in the splendor of the outdoors in our beloved state.

In Memory of Dan Meyer Larry Petruso Julie Meyer Maryn Olson Ron Young

Member News

LIFE MEMBERS OF CFM Charles Abele * R. Philip Acuff * Duane Addleman * Nancy Addleman Tom Addleman Nancy Addleman * Michael Duane Addleman James Agnew Carol Albenesius Craig Alderman * Allan Appell Victor Arnold Bernie Arnold Richard Ash Judy Kay Ash Carolyn Auckley J. Douglas Audiffred Ken Babcock Bernie Bahr Michael Baker * James Baker Dane Balsman Lynn Barnickol Jamie Barton Michael Bass Robert Bass Don Bedell David F. Bender Rodger Benson Leonard Berkel Barbi Berrong Jim Blair John Blankenbeker Andy Blunt Jeff Blystone Kim Blystone Glenn Boettcher Arthur Booth * Dale Linda Bourg Stephen Bradford Marilynn Bradford Robin Brandenburg Mark Brandly Kathie Brennan Robert Brinkmann Robert Brundage * Scott Brundage Bill Bryan Alan Buchanan Connie Burkhardt Dan Burkhardt Brandon Butler Randy Campbell Brian Canaday Dale Carpentier * Glenn Chambers Bryan Chilcutt Ed Clausen * Edward Clayton * Ron Coleman Denny Coleman Rhonda Coleman

Liz Cook Mark Corio * Bill Crawford Andy Dalton DeeCee Darrow Ryan Diener Joe Dillard Tim Donnelly Cheryl Donnelly Ron Douglas Chuck Drury * Charlie Drury Tom Drury Ethan Duke Mike Dunning William Eddleman John Enderle Theresa Enderle Joe Engeln Marlin Fiola * Mary Louise Fisher Howard Fisher Andrew Fleming Matt Fleming Howard Fleming Sara Fleming Lori Fleming Paula Fleming * Charles Fleming Bob Fry Manley Fuller David Galat Gene Gardner Matt Gaunt Jason Gibbs Timothy Gordon Blake Gornick David Graber Tim Grace Jody Graff Richard & Sally Graham Joseph Gray Tyler Green Jason Green Gery Gremmelsbacher Debbie Gremmelsbacher Jason Gremmelsbacher Bernie Grice Jr. Mark & Kathy Haas Tom & Margaret Hall Christopher Hamon * Deanna Hamon J. Jeff Hancock Herman Hanley Keith Hannaman Elizabeth Hannaman Lonnie Hansen John Harmon * Milt Harper Jack Harris David Haubein Jessica Hayes * Susan Hazelwood

Mickey Heitmeyer Loring Helfrich * LeRoy Heman * Randy Herzog Bill Hilgeman Jim Hill Mike Holley Rick Holton CW Hook * Allan Hoover John Hoskins Todd Houf * Mike Huffman Wilson Hughes Larry Hummel * Patricia Hurster Kyna Iman Jason Isabelle Jim Jacobi Aaron Jeffries Robert Jernigan Jerry Jerome Roger & Debbie Johnson * Don Johnson * Malcolm Johnson * Pat Jones Steve Jones John Karel Thomas Karl Jim Keeven * Duane Kelly Cosette Kelly Junior Kerns Todd Keske Robert Kilo * Martin King Bill Kirgan * Judd Kirkham * Ed Kissinger Sarah Knight TJ Kohler Jeff Kolb Chris Kossmeyer Chris Koster Dan Kreher Carl Kurz * Ann Kutscher Larry Lackamp Kyle Lairmore * Jay Law * Gerald Lee Debra Lee Mark Lee Randy Leible Wade Leible * Joel LeMaster * Norman Leppo * John Lewis Bill Lockwood Leroy Logan Christine Logan - Hollis Bob Lorance Ike Lovan

Wayne Lovelace Kimberley LovelaceHainsfurther Jim Low Mark Loyd Emily Lute-Wilbers Martin MacDonald Michael Mansell Steve Maritz Danny Marshall John Mauzey Bill McCully Chip McGeehan Teresa McGeehan Nathan "Shags" McLeod Jon McRoberts Richard Mendenhall Tom Mendenhall Donna Menown John "Mitch" Mertens Cynthia Metcalfe Walter Metcalfe Larry Meyer Stephanie Michels Mitchell Mills Joshua Millspaugh Davis Minton Lowell Mohler John Moore, Jr. Johnny Morris Zachary Morris John Mort Leanne Mosby Steve Mowry Diana Mulick David Murphy * Dean Murphy Richard Mygatt * Steve Nagle Rehan Nana J. Roger Nelson Jeremiah (Jay) Nixon Gary Novinger Frank & Judy Oberle Larry O'Reilly Charlie & Mary O’Reilly Beth O'Reilly Anya O'Reilly Jeff Owens Austin Owens Sara Parker Pauley Scott Pauley Randy Persons Edward Petersheim Albert Phillips Jan Phillips Glenn & Ilayana Pickett Jessica Plaggenberg Becky Plattner Jerry Presley Albert Price Nick Prough Kirk Rahm

Kurtis Reeg John Rehagen David & Janice Reynolds Carey Riley Kevin Riley Mike Riley Dana Ripper John Risberg Mary Risberg Ann Ritter Charles Rock Derrick Roeslein Rudy Roeslein Charles Rogers Kayla Rosen Gerald Ross Pete Rucker Tyler Ruoff Benjamin Runge William Ruppert Tom Russell Jacob Sampsell Bruce Sassmann Jan Sassmann Frederick Saylor Michael Schallon Mossie Schallon * Evelyn Schallon Thomas Schlafly Pamela Schnebelen Donald & Deb Schultehenrich Tyler Schwartze * Ronald Schwartzmeyer Timothy Schwent Travis W. Scott George Seek Arlene Segal * E. Sy Seidler * Sara Seidler Anita Siegmund Emily Sinnott Douglas Smentkowski Gary & Susanna Smith Zachary Smith * M.W. Sorenson * Ed Stegner Jeff Stegner Everett Stokes William Stork Jr. Winifred Stribling Norm Stucky Mary Stuppy * Mark Sullivan Jacob Swafford Jim Talbert Norman Tanner Travis Taylor Richard Thom Don Thomas Tim Thompson * Jeff Tillman Robert Tompson

Mike Torres Matt Tucker David Urich Jennifer Urich Alex Uskokovich Gary Van De Velde Barbara vanBenschoten Lee Vogel Albert Vogt Frank Wagner Ray Wagner * Julius Wall Ginny Wallace Mervin Wallace Randy Washburn Mary Waters * Henry Waters, III. Daniel Weinrich Michael Weir Robert Werges Evelyn Werges Bennish Tom Westhoff Gary Wheeler Georganne Wheeler Nixon Mark Williams Dennis Williams Dr. Jane Williams Stephen Wilson Michael Wilson Laurie Wilson Jonathan Wingo Jon R. Wingo Michael Wiseman Daniel Witter Brenda Witter * Addie Witter Owen Witter Dick Wood Howard Wood Joyce Wood Nicole Wood Charles M. Wormek Brad Wright Suzanne Wright David Young Judy Young Dan Zekor Daniel Zerr Jim Zieger Robert Ziehmer Emily Ziehmer Lauren Ziehmer Colton Zirkle Ethan Zuck Guy Zuck Mark Zurbrick *Deceased

NOVEMBER - 2023

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Do you want to support the health of our environment and raise money for your organization? Don't Worry! We can help!

BEES & BUTTERFLIES FUNDRAISER Make Money for your organization help support cfm build pollinator gardens in your community

Help start pollinator gardens all over your community! www.confedmo.org/pollinators email info@confedmo.org

Affiliate Highlights

Missouri Environmental Education Association

he Missouri Environmental Education Association (MEEA) is a statewide professional membership organization that serves environmental educators. Our mission is to help educators connect every Missouri learner to the natural world and equip them to care, understand, and act for the environment. So, what do we do exactly? Well, a lot! We demonstrate to educators how easy it is to create rich, nature-based experiences that are tied to their desired educational outcomes. MEEA provides hands-on professional development workshops statewide year-round. We also host an annual conference that rotates between Columbia, Springfield, Kansas City, and St. Louis. This year it will be on November 4th at the Saint Louis Zoo! Our monthly newsletter and website provide free resources for lesson planning, grant opportunities, news from the field, and much more. We are currently collaborating with the North American Association of Environmental Education Affiliate Network to create a variety of credentials for MEEA members. These credentials will cover topics from environmental education and outdoor learning fundamentals to understanding the importance of equity and inclusion in environmental education. MEEA’s reach is statewide, and that's apparent through our green schools efforts and the co-management of Show-Me Green Schools (SMGS) with the Missouri Gateway Green Building Council. SMGS is a suite of programs designed to help schools improve learning, human health, and the environment. Students have opportunities to go on field trips to Missouri’s abundant public lands, learn from experts on topics from architecture to regenerative agriculture, conduct waste audits of their cafeterias, and much more. Through SMGS, we’re also building a Partner Network to catalyze the growth of green schools in every county of the state!

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Clockwise from Top Left: Students collecting native seeds at Forsyth School in St. Louis, (courtesy of Forsyth School), a rooftop aviary at St. Teresa’s Academy in KC (courtesy of STA), MEEA Mini-grant recipients purchase life jackets to get paddlers out on the Big Muddy (courtesy of Mississippi River Water Trail Association), MEEA’s Invasive Species: On Trial! Workshop (courtesy of MEEA).

MEEA is thrilled to be a new affiliate of CFM, as this has rapidly helped us connect with new, mission-aligned organizations. Since joining CFM, we have attended two Affiliate Summits, visited the Capitol with other affiliates, received support for regional PD (such as our three summer Invasive Species: on Trial! workshops), and shared information about CFM with the Partner Network. We’ve already met so many people working to make Missouri a healthier place to live, learn, and play! MEEA is excited to collaborate with other CFM affiliates. We invite you to give us a call, become a member of MEEA, join the Show-Me Green Schools Partner Network, and attend one of our events! Contact Lesli Moylan at 314-368-0500 or moylan@meea.org to learn more.

Affiliate Highlights

Affiliate Organizations Anglers of Missouri

Missouri Caves & Karst Conservancy

Missouri Taxidermist Association

Association of Missouri

Missouri Chapter of the

Missouri Trappers Association

Electric Cooperatives

American Fisheries Society

Missouri Trout Fishermen's Association

Bass Slammer Tackle

Missouri Chapter of the Wildlife Society

Burroughs Audubon

Missouri Coalition for the Environment

Graduate Student Organization

Society of Greater Kansas City

MU Wildlife & Fisheries Science

Missouri Conservation Agents Association

Northside Conservation Federation

Capital City Fly Fishers

Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation

Open Space Council of the St. Louis Region

Chesterfield Citizens

Missouri Conservation Pioneers

Outdoor Skills of America, Inc.

Missouri Consulting Foresters Association

Ozark Chinquapin Foundation

Columbia Audubon Society

Missouri Disabled Sportsmen

Ozark Fly Fishers, Inc.

Conservation Foundation of

Missouri Ducks Unlimited- State Council

Ozark Land Trust

Missouri Charitable Trust

Missouri Environmental

Ozark Riverways Foundation

Deer Creek Sportsman Club

Education Association

Committee for the Environment

Ozark Trail Association

Duckhorn Outdoors Adventures

Missouri Forest Products Association

Ozark Wilderness Waterways Club

Festus-Crystal City Conservation Club

Missouri Grouse Chapter of QUWF

Perry County Sportsman Club

Forest and Woodland

Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation

Pomme De Terre Chapter Muskies

Missouri Master Naturalist -

Quail & Upland Wildlife Federation, Inc.

Association of Missouri Forest Releaf of Missouri Friends of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

Great Rivers Chapter

Quail Forever & Pheasants Forever

Missouri Master Naturalist -

River Bluffs Audubon Society

Gateway Chapter Trout Unlimited

Hi Lonesome Chapter

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Greater Ozarks Audubon Society

Missouri Master Naturalist -

Greenbelt Land Trust of Mid-Missouri Greenway Network, Inc. James River Basin Partnership

Osage Trails Chapter Missouri Master Naturalist Springfield Plateau Chapter

South Side Division CFM Southwest Missouri Fly Fishers St. Louis Audubon Society Stream Teams United

L-A-D Foundation

Missouri National Wild Turkey Federation

Student Air Rifle Program

Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance

Missouri Native Seed Association

Tipton Farmers & Sportsman's Club

Land Learning Foundation

Missouri Outdoor Communicators

Tri-Lakes Fly Fishers

Legends of Conservation

Missouri Park & Recreation Association

Troutbusters of Missouri

Little Blue River Watershed Coalition

Missouri Parks Association

United Bow Hunters of Missouri

Magnificent Missouri

Missouri Prairie Foundation

Watershed Conservation Corps

Mid-Missouri Outdoor Dream

Missouri River Bird Observatory

Wild Bird Rehabilitation

Mid-Missouri Trout Unlimited

Missouri River Relief

Wild Souls Wildlife Rescue Rehabilitation

Midwest Diving Council

Missouri Rock Island Trail, Inc.

Wonders of Wildlife

Mississippi Valley Duck

Missouri Rural Water Association

World Bird Sanctuary

Hunters Association

Missouri Smallmouth Alliance

Young Outdoorsmen United

Missouri Association of Meat Processors

Missouri Society of American Foresters

Missouri Atlatl Association

Missouri Soil & Water Conservation

Missouri B.A.S.S. Nation

Society-Show-Me Chapter

Missouri Bird Conservation Initiative

Missouri Sport Shooting Association

Missouri Birding Society

Missouri State Campers Association

Missouri Bow Hunters Association

Missouri State Parks Foundation

NOVEMBER - 2023

It’s Your

SEASON

Shelter Insurance® is a proud sponsor of Share the Harvest & the Conservation Federation. Contact your local Shelter agent to insure your auto, home, life, farming, hunting & fishing gear. Find an agent near you at ShelterInsurance.com.

Enter for your chance to win!

Mega Raffle Winner drawn Friday, December 1, 2023 T R I P

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Est. Value $2,300

3 Night Stay at Big Cedar Lodge, Top of the Rock Adventure Passes for Two Guests, Dogwood Canyon Nature Park Passes for Two Guests, Round of Golf for Two Guests at Buffalo Ridge, Breakfast for Two Guests at Devil's Pool Restaurant, Lunch for Two Guests at Truman Café & Custard, Dinner for Two Guests at Devil's Pool Restaurant.

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Feature Story

Wild Souls Shop with a Conservation Agent Program

n 2019, Wild Souls Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation launched the Shop with a Conservation Agent program in Missouri, a tradition that now enters its fifth year. This initiative brings together County Agents, Chiefs, and Captains from the Missouri Department of Conservation's Protection Unit with a group of 12-14 remarkable children. These youngsters have experienced life hardships and share a profound interest in conservation, having been identified by their schools, counselors, and communities. Hailing from Cass, Jackson, and Lafayette counties, these children are handpicked for an extraordinary event that touches the heart. For many of these 8-14-year-olds, this program is either a continuation of their conservation journey or an exciting entry point into the world of supporting conservation efforts.

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It provides them with an opportunity to connect with nature, something they may have lacked the means or mentors to pursue, much like our young friend Gunnar. Gunnar, a past participant in the program, had recently suffered the sudden loss of his brother. Despite this hardship, Gunnar is a natural outdoorsman who enjoys hunting and fishing. He cherished his participation in the Shop with an Agent event, feeling deeply honored to be part of such a remarkable program. At the event, he even rekindled a long-lost friendship with a friend from Grain Valley, and they've continued their conservation activities ever since. Gunnar wisely used his allotted funds to purchase duck decoys for hunting and essential fishing gear, forging cherished memories with his mom and cousin, strengthening their family bond, and paying tribute to his late brother.

Feature Story The heartwarming stories continue with a young girl who lost her home in a devastating fire. Thanks to the program, she was able to acquire outdoor clothing, hiking boots, and fishing gear. Another child, who had spent a year battling cancer in the hospital, had one heartfelt wish: to reconnect with the great outdoors. This program provided him with the tools to make up for lost time, and his first post-recovery activity was a fishing trip—a testament to the healing power of nature. For some selected children, those in foster care particularly, items such as camping gear, fishing equipment, and hunting supplies are often out of reach. The program not only provides them with these essentials but also fosters a genuine bond with their assigned Conservation Agent during the shopping experience. It's a day that ends with beaming smiles and teary eyes, a poignant reminder of the profound impact this program has on young lives. The day begins with a delightful breakfast banquet, generously provided by Wild Souls, featuring guest speakers and culminates with a shopping spree at Walmart alongside their Conservation Agent. The children relish the experience, gaining valuable insights, advice, and guidance from the Agents. Moreover, they receive well-deserved recognition for their resilience and dedication to conservation. Wild Souls has ambitious plans to expand the program, collaborating with more affiliates and conservation groups to reach an even greater number of deserving and grateful children, thereby magnifying its social impact within the state. Corporal Conservation Agent Derek Cole emphasized the significance of the event, stating, "This event promises to have a great impact on each of the children. It will expose them to the great work Wild Souls has accomplished with area wildlife and allow them to meet a Conservation agent in a very personal way.”

Left Agents that participated from across the state. (Photo: Courtesy of April Hoffman) Right - Agent Landon Leonards first year participating in the SWA program gives a thumbs up with a child. (Photo: Courtesy of April Hoffman)

April Hoffman, Executive Director of Wild Souls, expressed her deep appreciation for their partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation and their commitment to hosting the only Shop with an Agent event in the country. She hopes this event will serve as a model for other communities, strengthening relationships between them and conservation departments. This initiative not only uplifts local youth but also highlights the tireless efforts of Conservation Agents, bringing their passion to the forefront and inspiring the next generation of conservationists. This year's program is set to unfold on December 9, 2023, at Adams Pointe Golf Club for the Breakfast Banquet, followed by an eagerly anticipated shopping excursion at Blue Springs Walmart. While the children may have different interests when it comes to their purchases during the Shop with a Conservation Agent Day, they all share the same space—a place where they are recognized, where they spend quality time with an Agent, and where they secure a brighter future immersed in the outdoors. In these challenging times, this program offers a natural remedy, providing peace, encouragement, tools, equipment, and positive role models. Undoubtedly, it is a deeply heartfelt day for all participants.

April Hoffman

NOVEMBER - 2023

Member News

CFM Columbia Banquet Draws a Full House

he Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) celebrated its Columbia Banquet Event on Thursday, July 13th. A sold out crowd of more than 150 guests enjoyed various activities and entertainment at the event, which took place at Bass Pro Shops. CFM President Zach Morris opened the evening by welcoming everyone. Terra Crane from the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau spoke of things happening in the Columbia area to see and do while everyone was in town. Zach then introduced CFM’s Executive Director, Tyler Schwartze, who served as emcee for the evening and the auctioneer during the live auction. A lively auction featured a pistol, a big game hunt, and an adorable AKC-registered black lab puppy among other items. CFM wants to take this time to thank all of our business partners, board members, and CFM members who donated items for the live and silent auction. The auction raised funds for our conservation efforts and programs. A mouthwatering Missouri BBQ meal with all the trimmings kicked off the evening. Guests also sampled complimentary wine and beer from St. James Winery and took relaxing pontoon boat rides on the Bass Pro Shops lake, driven by Scott Pauley. The highlight of the night was the speech by MDC Director Sara Parker Pauley, who shared the achievements and challenges of the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) in the past year. She also praised the partnership between MDC and CFM and thanked the MDC Commissioners for their support and guidance.

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Scott Pauley taking members of the Orscheln family out on a cruise around Bass Pro Lake. (Photo: Courtesy of CFM)

MDC Commissioner Barry Orscheln, was honored for his service as his term ended this year and he delighted the crowd with a spontaneous karaoke performance, which garnered a standing ovation for his commitment to conservation. The banquet was a success for CFM, as it showcased its work and vision for Missouri’s natural resources and wildlife. It also allowed guests to reconnect with fellow conservationists and have fun in a beautiful setting. CFM thanks the table sponsors, Missouri Department of Conservation, Forrest Keeling Nursery, Barry Orscheln, Zimmer Communications, Mitico, and QDMRegs4MOdonors. This highly successful event would not have been possible without the hard work provided by the staff at Bass Pro Shops Columbia store, especially the store management Shawn Scott and Jesse Thompson. We also want to thank all of the volunteers of the evening and each and every member that joined us to celebrate such a fun night.

Committed to Community & Conservation Owned by the members they serve, Missouri’s electric cooperatives do more than provide reliable and affordable electricity. They are active in their communities, concerned for the wellbeing of their neighbors and devoted to the rural way of life that makes the Show-Me State a special place to live, work and play. Missouri’s electric cooperatives are dedicated to protecting the land, air and water resources important to you and your quality of life. Learn more at www.amec.coop.

Feature Story

The Last Christmas Tree

s I was growing up, from grade school through high school, I worked on my family’s Christmas tree plantation. I helped plant thousands of little pine seedlings, trimmed the growing trees into what people think is their natural shape, and sprayed them for insect pests. I cut, dragged and stacked them along the road for sale to wholesalers. And, most profitably, I sold fresh-cut Christmas trees from my front yard in town. Even though growing Christmas trees was a lot of work, the process kind of got into my blood. Many years later my wife and I bought some land in a new, small-acreage subdivision just outside of town with a plan to build a house there. The property was wooded except for an open, fescue-covered ridge that had been a cattle pasture. The house and yard would occupy part of that ridge, but that still left a lot of open land. We began filling that open space with some of our favorite trees and shrubs. We created a small prairie reconstruction. And we planted a lot of white pine. Our two young daughters enjoyed Christmas and Christmas trees. I figured we could grow our own trees on our new property. It was something I knew how to do.

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My plan was to have five to eight years of Christmas trees from the closely-spaced white pine seedlings that we planted. In another area we spaced the pines more widely, anticipating a stately grove of large trees in some distant future. We planted about twenty-five white pines on our property, hoping that some of them would eventually be the Christmas highlights of our living room. The MDC nursery did not sell white pine in lots of twenty-five. I bought a package of fifty. My extra white pine seedlings were not wasted. Other new lot owners also had open fescue pasture since we shared the same former cattle farm. They welcomed my extra seedlings. My Christmas tree plan had a flaw. Since I planted all the trees in the same year, they would grow at the same rate, and there would be a limited number of years when the trees would be the right size for the house. (On my family’s Christmas tree farm, we planted new seedlings each year for a continuous supply of variously sized trees.)

Feature Story I partially compensated for this fact by pruning some of the trees more aggressively than others. I controlled their size by trimming off the new growth in late spring. Without pruning, the trees would grow taller and the branches would be more open. They would not achieve that full and compact Christmas tree profile. Where I cut the new growth, buds formed for the next year’s growth, resulting in shorter, fuller trees. I don’t remember how many years our white pine Christmas trees lasted. Pictures show that we had at least six years of home-grown trees. The first ones we cut were pretty small. Each year they got taller and broader. The kids enjoyed choosing and cutting our tree and dragging it to the house. They never seemed to care about ending the life of their Christmas trees. After all, that’s why we planted them in the first place. They didn’t care, that is, until the last year that we had a tree that would still fit in our living room. That tree was about nine feet tall, full and symmetrical. I had carefully pruned it for many years, the last few requiring the help of a ladder. Christmas approached and I suggested that it was time to cut the tree. To my surprise, my youngest daughter objected. “Please Dad, don’t cut that tree. It’s such a pretty tree and it looks so good in our yard.” Was this tree really that special? I noticed that it was strategically located behind Alena’s soccer goal in her practice area behind the house. That tree, in addition to, and probably more importantly than being pretty, provided a backstop behind the goal. It blocked wide shots on goal, making ball retrieval easier. Alena admitted that the tree was useful as a ball stop. “But, Dad, it’s a cute tree and it needs to stay in our yard. Can’t we buy a tree this year?”

Her sister and mother agreed that this tree was, indeed, cute, and that it was nicely positioned in our yard. That Christmas our living room displayed a Fraser fir, purchased from a commercial lot. The Fraser fir was likely not grown in Missouri. After decorating our first real fir Christmas tree we all agreed that it was beautiful. Today, almost forty years after planting those little seedlings, a small grove of pines provides a shady, needle-carpeted haven on our land. Although I wouldn’t describe the little grove as stately, it has the potential eventually to become so. Our neighborhood is sprinkled with large white pines, all exactly the same age, as if the community had carefully planned to provide some deep green accents to winter’s grayness. And our last Christmas tree? It stands about 35 feet tall with a 23inch diameter-- a living reminder of many lovely trees and happy Christmases together. Rick Thom Cover - Dragging our tree to the house. Alena, Rick, and Jenny Thom. Left - Rick and Alena harvest a Christmas tree. Top - The spared Christmas tree in 2023. (Photos: Courtesy of Karen Thom)

NOVEMBER - 2023

Feature Story

Choosing a Properly Fitting Firearm

unter’s Education classes are filling up quickly with hunting season almost here. Girls and boys plan to hunt with their adults and most likely already own a firearm. Before taking that first step in the hunting world, sign up and take a Hunter’s Education class. Not only will this make you safer handling firearms, but it’s the law. Adults occasionally take these classes as well.

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I have taught these classes for several years and am impressed by many of the youth. But before teaching, I make it plain that any mistake made with a firearm could kill or seriously wound someone close to them or even themselves. So, pay attention, Hunter’s Education Instructors save lives through their teachings. A shooter should fit their firearm. (Photo: Lawrence Taylor)

Feature Story Fitting the Firearm: We use real firearms with the firing pins removed for teaching Hunter’s Education. Smaller students often have problems holding up the rifles or shotguns because they are too long or even too heavy and instructors help by placing their fingers under the barrel.

There are weight-lifting programs suggested for male or female shooters to provide more strength in holding firearms, but these should not be considered before the teenage years. You can find these suggestions online. Consult your family doctor before doing any kind of exercise program.

This is a good example of why a firearm should always fit the shooter. A gun should never be more than the shooter can handle. You can solve this by going to a reputable firearms dealer and ask them to fit the firearm to the shooter, adult or child. During my youth we generally received hand-me-down rifles or shotguns from older family members. My first 12-gauge was a bolt action with a screw-on poly choke designed to change shot patterns from full to improved or modified. The barrel was about 30-inches long.

Caliber is another important factor to consider before purchasing a firearm. Young shooters can’t be generalized when choosing firearms. A big mistake made by adults is making their child shoot a 12-gauge because they did at that age.

I was ten years old and that gun was too heavy to hold up and shoot. I finally grew up and used that old twelve gauge many years before purchasing a Remington 870 Wingmaster. Then the old bolt action was handed down to my younger brother who, too, had to grow before using it. Fully controlling a firearm is important for safety and enjoying a quality hunt. A gun that is too heavy or long will cause a great deal of fatigue to muscles required for properly positioning a well-placed shot. This was partly addressed in the early days by cutting down the rifle or shotgun stock to make it fit a youngster’s arm length. Then, believe it or not, the sawed-off piece of stock was saved and glued on as the child grew large enough to handle the weight and length. Game shot by younger hunters helped feed their families in those days that I remember very well. Youth stocks and lighter-weight firearms were introduced in the 20th century. I purchased an 870-Wingmaster youth model years ago for my daughter when she was a young teenager and she used it well without fatigue. In fact, she outgunned me on many occasions. Many women, too, have benefited from these smaller guns. When a firearm is too heavy for a child during target practice, have them try standing in different positions. Sometimes, repositioning their feet helps. The most logical act is stop shooting and rest or just leave to shoot another day.

Some may shoot a larger gauge gun without a problem while others flinch when pulling the trigger, throwing the shot completely off. The 20-gauge is a great shotgun to start with and one that many use their entire life. Note some start with a .410 shotgun. Pistol calibers should always fit the shooter. A high school friend recently contacted me. Her husband died and she wanted a firearm for home protection. She had his .357 pistol and wondered if that would be a good caliber to start with. She wisely planned to take shooting lessons at a nearby gun range. I assured her that leaving that cannon in the gun case and buying a 9mm to learn with would be a great start. The recoil and sound of a .357 would have intimidated her and her shots likely would never have been accurate. Later, after shooting for a few months, she might actually do well with the larger caliber pistol. There are many considerations before purchasing a handgun for plinking, hunting or home protection. For example, a too-long trigger reach is detrimental to accuracy. This could mean the finger isn’t on the trigger enough, possibly pushing their shot to the left for a right-handed shooter or vice versa for a southpaw. The hand has to twist around to where recoil is channeled painfully into the thumb instead of the web of the hand. There are many more needed adjustments a professional shooting instructor can provide. Find a firearm that fits then practice, practice, practice. Total familiarity with your gun is another step towards being safe afield. Kenneth L. Kieser NOVEMBER - 2023

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Road trip. We didn’t choose the perfect playlist. Or program the GPS. But we did fuel the car that made you realize there are no wrong turns, only new adventures. When the energy you invest in life meets the energy we fuel it with, amazing journeys happen.

NOVEMBER - 2023

Feature Story

The Shack

t was a pilgrimage of sorts. A place I knew but had never been. A shrine to some. For me, a place of historical and inspirational context. The Leopold Shack was my destination. Thirty years after it was first published, I read Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac. Required reading, it was one of three books as part of my introduction to the world of wildlife conservation. The others were Wildlife Biology by Raymond F. Dasmann and Our Wildlife Legacy by Durward L. Allen. Forty-five years later, ASCA is the only book of the three I kept. Since replaced with a couple hard cover versions, my original was passed on to a young forestry student a few years ago. And recently, I passed along a copy to a gentleman who really needs to read it, whether he knows it or not. I’m hopeful. A foundational piece of the North American conservation story, If you haven’t read it, you should.

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Now my aim here is not to proselytize, but I have read ASCA multiple times and will likely read it again. Some books do that to me – depending the time, the season, my perspective, one reading is never enough. I have also read other Leopold writings and various scholarly interpretations of his work and thinking. Curt Meine’s biographical tome, Aldo Leopold was especially informative; my copy has many dog-eared pages. I’ve rooted around the Leopold archives searching for tidbits and insights, and I’ve been fortunate to cross paths and share space with several folks who had more than a passing affiliation with the man and his legacy. From Iowa to Wisconsin to Missouri and beyond, his reach was significant.

The author at The Shack. (Photo: Courtesy of Dan Zekor)

Feature Story For the introduced, I’m not saying anything you don’t already know when I say Aldo Leopold was unique. I’m not talking legend or mythology. This is real stuff. The man was a thinker. An observer. A researcher. A prolific writer. Trail blazer. And of course, a philosopher. Even today, in words that may no longer carry the weight they once did, Leopold’s ability to see, connect, and extract meaning is evident. His ability to help others understand the nature of nature remain unsurpassed. For all these reasons, and more, I traveled to Leopold’s “refuge from too much modernity” to see and feel for myself this one place which influenced him and subsequently, his thinking and writing of ASCA. This place along the Wisconsin River where the soil is sand. A worn-out farm where a chicken coop was converted into a retreat - The Shack. A place where the Leopold family would gather in close quarters to work and play and be. All the while leaving behind a legacy of life and restoration, deep reflection, and natural beauty. A place, even today, that is impressively simple in best possible way. On a warm spring morning, my wife and I walked the path where lupines bloomed in a prairie created and restored by the Leopold family and maintained by the keepers of his legacy, The Aldo Leopold Foundation. Fittingly, pines planted by the Leopold’s were being harvested and milled on site using a portable sawmill which sat idle on this day; Leopold benches will be made from the pine boards. And a two-man crew quietly worked removing worn cedar shingles from the roof of the shack as part of the Foundation’s effort to maintain the property. Later in the summer, the inside of the Shack would be meticulously cleaned, scraped, and re-painted. A three-minute walk from the Shack through deep sand brought us to the bank of the Wisconsin River with a long, stunning view of the river and its sandbars. Wildlife tracks and the sign of two canoes marked the sand along the water’s edge. A Leopold bench was nearby for use by the contemplative. As we walked, we thought about life in the 1930s and 40s and the decidedly primitive and earthy accommodations of the Shack – modern meant a roof, fireplace, well water, and an outhouse (aka the Parthenon). I imagine campfires and wood smoke. Mattresses filled with marsh hay. Morning goose music and evening sky dances.

A worn Leopold bench. (Photo: Courtesy of Dan Zekor)

On the way down the trail, returning to the truck, we passed the marker where the Good Oak once stood – Rest! cries the chief sawyer (the chief was wife Estella), and we said our thanks and good-bye, and I thought about the place here too, a short distance from the shack where Aldo Leopold died, unexpectedly. A neighbor’s fire was spreading into the fields, threatening the Leopold plantation. Hurrying with a backpack pump to wet down vegetation to slow the fire’s advance, he would succumb to a heart attack. Laying down with hands folded he would pass away - the fire “swept lightly over his body.” I don’t believe in ghosts. But I do look for signs. Signs of past life. Signs of intent. Signs of purpose. My neighbor used to say I look for signs of yesterday. I look for the story and the mark left behind. I look for ways to bring things together - the past, the moment, the future – into something tangible and useful. A common thread of existence and being. Something beyond coincidental. When we first arrived at the Leopold Center an hour earlier, high schoolers disembarked from a yellow bus, arriving for a field trip to explore all things Leopold. I asked the group leader, “Where are you from?” She said words I had not heard another voice speak in decades. They were from the same high school from which I graduated 51 years ago. What are the odds, I thought? As we drove away, I watched the students standing on the edge of the Leopold prairie, examining vegetation. Wondering, if I could command one lesson to those students, one lesson to learn from Leopold, one thought to carry with them forever, what would it be? Probably this: “A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise.” The Land Ethic, A Sand County Almanac.

Dan Zekor NOVEMBER - 2023

Feature Story

The Christmas Day Deer

t was Christmas Eve Day. Christmas trees and decorations were in every room of the old house. Outside too. Torn wrapping paper was everywhere. It had been a good day. The old couple stood at the door hugging their kids, grandkids, daughters-in-law, granddaughter-in-law, and future grandson-in-law as they prepared to leave. They would all be busy on Christmas Day. The old couple was happy to have spent Christmas Eve with them. They all did remember to wish the old man a happy birthday. Just in case they got busy and forgot to call him on Christmas Day. The old couple watched them out the window as they got in their cars and headed home to their busy lives. Both had tears in their eyes. They talked for a while about Christmas memories from the many years of their marriage. Then, they cleaned all the messes before going to the Christmas Eve service at their church.

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On the way home from church, the old man asked his wife what they were doing on Christmas Day. She said she planned to start packing away all the Christmas decorations she had been putting up around the house over the last month. He said, “The alternative deer season started today, so I think I will get my old muzzle loader rifle out and go deer hunting. It will be cold, but I don’t care. I am going anyway.” His wife wanted to talk him out of it, but she knew he needed this time alone with his thoughts. She told him to be safe, have a good time, and supper would be ready when he got home. Christmas morning came. He kissed her as she slept and whispered he loved her. He paused at the door to look back at her sleeping peacefully, then looked up and thanked God for her. Left: The old deer knew the old man was there. (Photo: James Montelone) Right: Squirrels keep the old man entertained. (Photo: James Montelone)

Feature Story The old man sat alone in a treestand on Christmas morning. There was no one else out hunting on Christmas Day. They would soon be opening Christmas presents. He thought this was a great way to celebrate the birthday he shared with Jesus. His mind took him back to his grandpa and grandma’s old farm. He was born there seventy-six years ago. He also thought about how much the world has changed since then. He thought, how many of his friends and family were no longer here. He also thought about the times he messed up and made mistakes in life. He wished they had never happened, wished he could take all of them back. He knew he could not. He knew God had forgiven him. He believed God gave him the gifts of writing stories and speaking to help others find Him. God had changed him. He can change anybody. Sunlight was beginning to filter through the trees. The frosted field spread out before him and sparkled like tiny diamonds. Fog rose from the creek on the other side. He could hear the sound of flowing water. He held the old muzzleloader rifle in his lap. He loved that old gun. It was a 50-caliber Hawken like the mountain men of long ago had used. He loved reading about that era of life in America and watching every Mountain Man movie ever made. “Jeremiah Johnson” was his favorite. He figured he had watched it at least fifty times or more. He often daydreamed about living back then. To have hunted and trapped and roamed the Rocky Mountains. As he waited silently in the darkness, he thought about all the years he had been a deer hunter. Memories of deer hunting with sons and grandkids flooded his mind. Now, they are grown and gone. Busy with their own lives and hunting in other states. It is just him, alone in a treestand with his muzzleloader. “Is this the last time I will be a deer hunter,” he thought. He wipes away a tear. The sun rises over the top of the trees, crows talk to each other, birds flitter from limb to limb, and squirrels look for acorns. A fox crosses the field and then stops to scratch himself. The old man has seen and heard these many times over many years. He still loves all of it. Getting a deer was always just a bonus to him. At times, he needed to get one to help feed his family. Being out in God’s great outdoors was most important. It was all the memories he made with family, friends, and alone in the deer woods.

The old buck crossed the cold creek and then stopped at the edge of the woods. His eyes scan the field. He sniffed the air for danger. He was a wise old buck and had done this before. He had spent lots of years wandering this land. He had watched many of his family grow up here and die here. He turned his head to lick some scars, then slowly started walking into the field, stopping at times to look and smell. Out of the corner of his eye, the old man saw movement. Slowly raising his binoculars, he brought the deer into view. It was a big buck. Old like him. Lots of gray around his muzzle. Broken antler tips, a little slump to his back, and a limp in his walk. He was also alone now. The old man put down his binoculars. The old muzzleloader stock now rested against his shoulder. He found the old buck in the iron sights and cocked the side hammer back. The old deer heard the click and saw movement. He knew someone was in the tree. He could have raised his tail and fled but did not. He slowly walked through the field. An old deer, an old man on Christmas Day. After looking through the sights for several minutes at where he planned to shoot, the old man slowly lowered the hammer and put the gun back in his lap. The old man and the old buck just looked at each other for a while. The old deer finally put his head down and kept walking. He was waiting for the old man to shoot, but the shot never came. He stopped several times to look at the old man in the tree. Finally, he walked into the woods, never to return to the field. The old man turned his eyes toward heaven and thanked God for all the deer hunting memories and the old deer on a special Christmas Day. He lowered his rifle to the ground and climbed down from the tree. He paused to look around the valley he had hunted so many times over many years and then walked toward his truck. It was his last deer hunt. It was his last Christmas Day. Larry Whiteley

NOVEMBER - 2023

Outdoor News

James River Basin Partnership Announces New Grant

n March, the James River Basin Partnership (JRBP) was awarded a grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources titled the Upper James River Implementation Project. The goal of the project is to reduce nonpoint source pollution in portions of eastern Greene and Webster County through targeted education outreach and the implementation of best management practices. “For years, JRBP has focused on providing resources and education throughout our urban watersheds. We’re excited for the opportunity to work with landowners in Greene and Webster Counties to address the water quality issues in the Upper James River watershed,” said Brent Stock, JRBP Executive Director. Several waterways in the Upper James River are listed on the state’s 303(d) list of impaired waters. This includes 39 miles of the James River in Greene County and Pearson Creek which are both listed for E. coli, as well as Lake Springfield which is on the state’s list for excess nutrients.

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For more information, please visit jamesriverbasin.com/ upper-james-grant. The James River Basin Partnership, formed in 1997, is an established Springfield, Missouri 501.c.3 that works to improve and protect our local water quality through various projects, programs, and education/outreach. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through the Department of Natural Resources, has provided partial funding to the project (#G19-NPS-03) under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act to the James River Basin Partnership. The Upper James River project has been subjected to EPA and the department’s administrative review and approved for implementation. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the EPA or the department, nor does the EPA or the department endorse trade names or recommend the use of commercial products mentioned in this document.

Outdoor News

Conservation Commission Approves Most MDC Permit Price Increases

he Missouri Conservation Commission gave final approval at its Sept. 8 open meeting to adjust prices for most hunting, fishing, trapping, and commercial permits offered by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). The price increases will take effect Feb. 29, 2024. Most MDC permit prices have remained the same for the past 20 years. MDC proposed the permit price adjustments in an effort to keep up with rising costs of goods and services it uses to manage its more than 1,000 conservation areas along with nature centers, shooting ranges, fish hatcheries, and other facilities. MDC received initial approval on its proposed permit price adjustments from the Commission at the Commission’s May 19 open meeting. MDC then offered a public comment period from July 4 through Aug. 2 where it received about 250 public comments along with feedback on the proposals from numerous conservationrelated groups and organizations. Missouri is home to more than 1 million anglers, 500,000 hunters, and several thousand trappers. MDC issues nearly 2.6 million hunting, fishing, and trapping permits each year. On average, most resident hunting and fishing permit prices would be adjusted by about $1. “Compared to other states, Missouri permit prices are still in the middle-to-lower end of the scale and will still be a bargain,” said MDC Director Sara Parker Pauley. “The average price of a resident firearm deer permit for surrounding states is $54 compared to Missouri’s new price starting in 2024 of $18.” Not all permit prices will increase. Based on public comments and other feedback received, MDC will not raise permit prices for resident and nonresident Daily Fishing Permits, annual Trout Permits, and resident and nonresident Fur Dealer’s Permits.

Some of the new permit prices starting in 2024 will be: • The price of a resident hunting and fishing permit will go from $19 to $20.50. The average price for surrounding states is $42.47. • The price of a resident small game hunting permit will go from $10 to $10.50. The average price for surrounding states is $26.57. • The price of a resident trapping permit will go from$10 to $11. The average price for surrounding states is $29.38. • The price of a resident spring turkey permit will go from $17 to $18. The average price for surrounding states is $47.69. • The price of a resident firearm deer permit will go from $17 to $18. The average price for surrounding states is $54.06. • The price of a resident antlerless deer permit will go from $7 to $7.50. The average price for surrounding states is $24.21. • The price of a youth resident antlerless deer permit will go from $3.50 to $3.75. The average price for surrounding states is $24.21. • The price of the daily trout tag will go from $4 to $5 for adults and stay at $3 for youth. The Commission also rescinded the ‘$5 for 5 trout pilot’ at Maramec Spring Park based on public input. At all trout parks the daily limit is four trout with a statewide possession limit of eight trout. • Those under 16 and 65 years of age and older remain exempt from small-game hunting permits and annual fishing permit requirements. Daily trout tags and an annual trout permit are still required. For more information on the adjusted permit prices, including a complete list of permits with new prices, visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/permits/permit-priceadjustments. The Missouri Conservation Commission gave final approval at its September meeting to raise prices for most hunting, fishing, trapping and commercial permits offered by MDC. The price increase takes effect February 29, 2024.

NOVEMBER - 2023

Feature Story

Calling Teal with Polk Pattern Calls “What the heck are you doing?” I said as my buddy Dave blew a short, frantic four-note, squealy call at a flock of 100 blue-winged teal in the distance one September morning. “Just watch,” he said. A short time and a few more calls later the flock was in our face and taking on the shots of four guns. I knew immediately I needed one of those calls.

ot all teal calls are the same, I have learned. After the hunt, I made Dave show me the call and tell me all the details. It was made by St. Louis resident Chris Polk of Polk Pattern Calls, and I needed one. I was on the phone with Chris later that week and had a call headed my way. Three days later I had my hands on a beautifully crafted, hand-made teal call. From that day forward, I have been calling teal in September with great success thanks to Polk Pattern Calls. Origins Raised by his duck hunting grandfather, Polk took to making calls at an early age. “My grandpa used to build duck boats as a side job to fill a specific niche for the shallow water silt marshes of Mexico. He made a template and stamp for a metal widgeon whistle for fellow hunters,” Polk said.

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“My grandfather had lost a leg in an injury before the war so while most of the men were deployed my grandfather became a second father to a lot of local boys and taught them how to hunt and fish,” Polk continued. Polk wanted to continue his grandfather’s traditions of filling a niche in waterfowl hunting while helping others. Craftsmanship Born As Polk became a father and a seasoned hunter, he wanted to carry on the tradition of teaching young, new hunters. His way was making calls and giving them away all over Missouri at goose banding events and early morning draw rooms.

Feature Story “My first calls were my own 5-in-1 ducks whistles,” he said. “My design was of a wood wedge, flute-type whistle that went through countless variations, failures and modifications until I had created something easy to run with great tone and volume.” Polk went into rabbit-in-distress calls soon after. Being an avid teal hunter in Mexico, he realized while tuning a tone board how close he could get the true tone of a teal hen. From there, he began to shape a teal call with a contoured mouthpiece and large bell end. “Now I feel my calls mimic a teal hen more than any other call on the market,” he said. Meaning “There is truly something beautiful in taking a block of wood and creating a call that improves hunters time in the marsh,” Polk stated. “I have given away hundreds of calls to kids, and nothing is better than receiving pictures and thank you cards from them with their calls and, often, their first ducks.” Polk has mastered the craft and takes pride in what he creates nowadays. “I work almost entirely with wood and prefer them much more than plastics,” he stated. “Not only the turning process but the fact two pieces are never exactly alike makes it fun.” Polk uses heavy, high-density woods that lend themselves to good tonal and aesthetic properties. He has made it to the point he is making various calls—teal, single-reed mallard, Canada, and Specklebelly goose calls.

Add on deer grunt tubes and he is a busy man outside of his work as an engineer at St. Louis area hospitals. “I hope to keep making calls for many years as long as my hands are still steady enough to turn,” he said. “I keep the prices very reasonable and hope many of my calls will outlive me and continue to help hunters pursue waterfowl, the passion I hold so dear.” Chris Polk’s calls are available directly through him (@polkpatterncalls on Instagram and Facebook, polkpattern@gmail.com) or through his good friends at Upperduck.com. Ryan Miloshewski Cover, Left - Polk's pattern calls. (Photos: Courtesy of Chris Polk) Top - David Holtzknecht and his friend showing off a pile of teal called in by one of Polk's teal calls in Texas. (Photo: Courtesy of David Holtzknecht)

NOVEMBER - 2023

Agency News

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION MDC Offers New Online Application for Special Use Permits

he Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) offers more than 1,000 conservation and natural areas around the state for people to get outdoors and discover nature through a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, birding and wildlife watching, horseback riding, photography and videography, hunting, fishing, and more. Some activities on MDC areas require a Special Use Permit and MDC has made it easier to get one through its new online application at mdc.mo.gov/SpecialUsePermit. A Special Use Permit is required for certain activities on conservation areas, including: • • • • • •

• • • •

Groups of more than 10 people camping, horseback riding, bicycling, and using shooting ranges; Furbearer trapping; ADA vehicle use for people with mobility disabilities to use motorized vehicles where public vehicles are not allowed on conservation areas; Athletic competitions of human strength or skill such as races and other competitive events; Geocache and letterbox placement; Photography and videography only if it involves access during closed hours or to portions of areas closed to public use, use of drone, use of a prop, set, or equipment larger than a single person can carry, or the total daily number of people participating with a photographer or videographer for the primary purpose of photography and videography is more than 10; Drone use; Commercial uses; Ceremonies such as weddings, baptisms, ceremonies of life, etc.; and Other group or special activities at the discretion of the area manager.

A Special Use Permit is required for certain activities on MDC conservation areas, such as groups of more than 10 people for horseback riding. (Photo: MDC)

Once the no-cost online permit application is completed through the simple, user-friendly webpage, it will be sent to the appropriate MDC staff for the listed conservation area. With MDC’s new Special Use Permit application process, both staff and permit applicants will have complete permit information through a digital permit file to keep, print or have on mobile devices. It also allows the applicant to follow-up on the approval process. Applications for Special Use Permit should be submitted at least 30 days prior to the event or activity. Applications submitted later will be considered on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed to be processed by the requested date. Not all requests for Special Use Permits will be granted. Permits may be denied to avoid user conflicts, resource damages, safety concerns, or other reasonable justification at MDC’s discretion. Learn more about MDC Places to Go at mdc.mo.gov/ discover-nature/places and Things to Do at mdc.mo.gov/ discover-nature/activities.

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Agency News MDC Honors Lonnie Hansen as Master Conservationist

he Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri Conservation Commission recently honored retired MDC Resource Scientist Lonnie Hansen of Columbia with their Master Conservationist Award. Hansen received the award with his wife, Kathy, on July 14 during a special presentation following the Commission’s open meeting in Columbia. He was nominated by former MDC colleague Eric Kurzejeski of Columbia. Hansen, a CFM life member, is the 67th person to receive the award. The MDC Master Conservationist Award honors living or deceased citizen conservationists, former MDC commissioners, and employees of MDC and other conservation related agencies, universities, or organizations who have made substantial and lasting contributions to the fisheries, forestry, or wildlife resources of the state, including conservation law enforcement and conservation education-related activities. Hansen began his career with MDC in 1987 as a wildlife biologist and retired as a resource scientist more than 30 years later in January 2015. During his time with MDC, Hansen focused primarily on deer management. Early in his career, he designed and implemented a series of large-scale deer research projects designed to collect reproductive and survival data. This information allowed MDC to set more meaningful harvest quotas and better manage the state’s deer population. He also focused on balancing the needs of hunters, landowners, and the general public with the need of a healthy, plentiful, and sustainable deer population statewide. He led MDC’s efforts to better engage and measure public opinion on deer management and related regulations. He also led the design and implementation of MDC’s electronic system to sell permits and collect harvest data and hunter demographic data, called Telecheck. “Lonnie led numerous efforts to listen to deer hunters and provide them with added hunting opportunities and simplified regulations,” said MDC Director Sara Parker Pauley. “Muzzleloader season, youth season, antlerless seasons, longer archery seasons, and increased permit availability were all adopted thanks to his efforts.” Hansen also led efforts to help landowners whose crops suffered deer damage with a simplified process to obtain special permits and reduce their problems.

MDC and Missouri Conservation Commission recently honored retired MDC Resource Scientist Lonnie Hansen with their Master Conservationist award. Shown l-r are MDC Deputy Director of Resource Managemnet Jason Sumners, Hansen with his award, and MDC Director Sara Parker Pauley (Photo: MDC)

“Lonnie is a true conservation professional, and deeply admired for his many decades of dedicated service. His lasting legacy in Missouri will live on in so many way in the wildlife and natural resources for many generations to come,” said CFM Executive Director Tyler Schwartze. Hansen also guided MDC when chronic wasting disease (CWD) became a national concern in the early 1990s. CWD is a fatal disease that infects deer and members of the deer family called cervids. “He ensured that MDC and the public had factual and relevant information in the early days of CWD to make sound, science-based decisions about the disease and its potential impacts to Missouri’s deer population,” said Pauley. Hansen also initially proposed, designed, and fostered a program to reintroduce once-native elk into the Ozark region of Missouri. The result of his efforts is a growing herd of free-ranging elk in select areas the Missouri Ozarks in and around Peck Ranch Conservation Area and Current River Conservation Area. The elk restoration effort has resulted in countless elk-viewing opportunities by the public and an annual elk hunting season. During his career with MDC, Hansen received numerous awards, including the CFM Professional Conservationist of the Year Award in 1996, the MDC Special Achievement Award in 2004, the CFM Wildlife Conservationist of the Year Award in 2004, the MDC Award of Excellence in 2008, and the MDC Resource Science Division Employee of the Year award in 2009. NOVEMBER - 2023

Agency News MDC Inducts Lee Redmond Into Conservation Hall of Fame

he Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and Missouri Conservation Commission posthumously honored retired MDC Assistant Fisheries Division Chief Lee Redmond by inducting him into the Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame. Redmond, formerly of Lohman, was honored on July 14 following the Commission’s open meeting. Redmond died Sept. 20, 2022, at age 83. He was nominated by former MDC colleague Ron Dent Jr. of Cole Camp. Redmond’s wife, Marge, accepted the award on Redmond’s behalf. Redmond is the 47th inductee into the Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame. The award honors deceased citizen conservationists and former employees of the Department of Conservation, other conservation-related government agencies, universities, or organizations who made substantial and lasting contributions to fisheries, forestry, or wildlife resources, including conservation law enforcement and conservation education-related activities in the state. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/aboutus/awards-honors/hall-fame. Redmond joined MDC in 1963 as a fishery research biologist. He then became a fisheries management supervisor and assistant fisheries division chief before his retirement after 37 years in 2000. While at MDC, he implemented fish size limits for lakes throughout the state and was instrumental in establishing MDC’s urban fishing program, one of the first in the nation. Redmond also drafted MDC’s original Municipal Lakes Program, which later became the Community Assistance Program (CAP). “Thanks to Lee Redmond’s work on our original Community Assistance Program, we now work with hundreds of communities around Missouri to provide fishing opportunities at their local lakes,” said MDC Director Sara Parker Pauley. “CAP funds provide boat ramps, parking areas, disabled-accessible fishing docks and jetties, and other major infrastructure.” Redmond also garnered federal funds for MDC for sportfishing. Those funds helped establish the first nationally recognized stream management program, Streams for the Future.

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MDC and Missouri Conservation Commission recently honored retired MDC Assistant Fisheries Division Chief Lee Redmond posthumously by inducting him into the Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame. Shown L-R are MDC Director Sara Parker Pauley, Redmond’s wife Marge, her daughter (begind her), son-in-law, and grandsons. (Photo: MDC)

He also led research on fisheries management techniques, authored many nationally recognized scientific papers on the topic, and gave numerous presentations. He was regarded as an expert in fisheries management and was a leader in the American Fisheries Society (AFS) where he served in several capacities, including as president from 1994-1995. He was very active in the state, national, and international AFS and was honored by the AFS through numerous awards. He was a charter member of the AFS Missouri Chapter, which created the Lee Redmond Citizen’s Award in his honor for persons who make substantial contributions to Missouri’s aquatic resources. He was elected to the Fisheries Management Hall of Excellence in 2001. “Lee Redmond was undoubtedly one of the most highly recognized fisheries scientists nationwide,” said Pauley. “His ability to try new management techniques and report the results nationwide to other fisheries professionals was one of his hallmark traits that earned him and MDC recognition as leaders in fisheries management.”

Agency News

MISSOURI STATE PARKS Holiday Happenings at Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites

hile many people only think of visiting state parks for a vacation in the summer and fall, there’s plenty to do throughout the year. “Our parks and historic sites stay busy year-round,” said David Kelly, director of Missouri State Parks. “We try to provide things for our guests to do throughout the year.” While visitation does slow down, the parks continue to remain active throughout the fall months. Halloween activities have become very popular with many campers including their plans to make an annual trip. These “spooktacular” events are held in parks throughout the state with activities such as costume contests, campsite-decorating contests and of course, trick or treating. Families like these types of events, Kelly said. More and more parks are incorporating these activities into their yearly calendar. When the weather turns colder, more parks and historic sites plan indoor activities. For example, guests may see more classroom-style events and more guest speakers in the visitor centers. The weather may not always cooperate for outdoor happenings. The Missouri State Parks’ team understands not everyone likes the cold weather, so some indoor activities are planned, but there are also some guided hikes and other outdoor events for those who enjoy the cooler temperatures. Two state parks – Mark Twain and Crowder – are also hosting deer hunts for veterans. The hunts will be held Nov. 3-5. Each park is providing 15 Missouri veterans with an all-inclusive managed deer hunt, which includes everything they need: lodging, food, permits, a hunting guide and even processing the deer they harvest.

Photo Courtesy of Missouri State Parks.

Applications are available at local Veterans Service Offices, which can be found at mvc.dps.mo.gov/service/ serviceofficer. Several parks are also participating in managed deer hunts with hunters chosen through a selection process by the Missouri Department of Conservation. December also brings several holiday festivities. Many historic sites decorate for the season, while some even host special events, such as at Arrow Rock, Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead, Hunter-Dawson and Felix Vallé state historic sites. And of course, you can’t forget about the First Day Hikes! Make your New Year’s resolution now and plan to make the hike an annual event. For detailed information on these events and others, visit: mostateparks.com/events. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks. com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

NOVEMBER - 2023

NATURE is Healthy

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Get healthy in nature this year.

mdc.mo.gov/places–go

NOVEMBER - 2023

Feature Story

The Endangered Species Act At 50

t was December and it was cold. My breath hung in the air for several seconds after an exhale. I was on the way to my house from the woodpile with another armload of wood when I heard the whoosh of large oncoming wings just above me. I stopped in the twilight and looked up through the treetops as a mature bald eagle pumped the thin air to clear the hill I stood on. He was headed for his preferred roost across Red Horse creek. As I watched him glide on to the north, I nodded a salute since my arms were full and I thought, “What a rare sight that used to be.” This December marks 50 years since President Richard Nixon signed the Endangered Species Act. Had he not done so, my bald eagle flyby might not have happened. The President signed the bill during an era of conservation concern for not only the future of wildlife (like the eagle that passed by my hill) and the lands that supported them, but the health of the environment for us as Americans as well.

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One hundred years after the first conservation movement in the U.S. pushed Ulysses S. Grant to sign a bill making Yellowstone our first National Park in 1872, rapid changes in farming methods were occurring across the nation. Acceleration in the amount of land cleared or grassland plowed for farming, increased use of pesticides and pollution from industry and automobiles, major dam building projects by the Corp of Engineers and other exploitation of natural resources led to the environmental movement of the 1970s. Like the movement a hundred years prior that led U.S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt and others to create national forests, national parks and laws regulating the taking of rapidly declining species, we were again motivated collectively to do something on a nationwide level to protect our national resources. Center: Kirtland’s warbler was listed under the ESA in 1973. Multiple partners worked to restore the warbler’s habitat and control parasitic threats and was removed from the endangered species list in 2019. (Photo: USFW)

Feature Story During the conservation movement of Roosevelt’s era, Congress had passed the Lacey Act of 1900. The Lacey Act was the first wildlife law created in response to growing public concern over the decline of the passenger pigeon, it regulated the transportation of protected species across state lines. The next era of environmental concern coalesced in the 1960’s. Some 400,000 tons of DDT were being applied annually worldwide. As a result of DDT’s use, malaria was eradicated in the Southern United States, but there was a problem. DDT was nearly insoluble in water, but highly soluble in fats. Even though it was very effective at killing insects, it had disastrous effects on a variety of other wildlife. Most of us remember learning that DDT causes the thinning of eggshells in birds, especially eagles and hawks, and resulted in dramatic population declines. (Traces of DDT are still detected today in women’s breast milk and the fat of wildlife, 40 years after it was banned.) By 1966, ecological concerns pushed Congress to pass the Endangered Species Preservation Act, which authorized land acquisition to conserve some species of native fish and wildlife. In June of 1969, an oil slick caught fire on the Cuyahoga River just southeast of downtown Cleveland, Ohio. A river catching on fire was one of the galvanizing events of the time, leading to efforts to further protect the environment. The following year saw the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency. Then in 1973, The Endangered Species Act was proposed. The ESA of 1973 went further than the 1966 law, seeking to preserve both species and habitats. The bill specifically recognized that protection of natural systems and specific species added, “esthetic, ecological, educational, recreational, and scientific value to our nation and its people,” to the new law’s purview.

In 1973, with all the concerns about the future of wildlife and wild places, the environment was a non-partisan issue. It’s hard to imagine today when extreme positions on both sides distort the original intent of the Endangered Species Act to serve their purposes, but when the legislation creating the ESA went to the president’s desk in 1973, it had passed the Senate unanimously and the house by a 355-4 margin. Spearheaded by Congressman John Dingell (D-MI) and Senator Harrison Williams (D-NJ), President Nixon (R) signed the Endangered Species Act into law on December 28, 1973. The fifty years of experience since its passage gives us some perspective and an opportunity to look back on the ESA and evaluate its effectiveness. In a 2007 TIME magazine article, Gary Raymond wrote, Since its implementation, the Endangered Species Act of 1973 has garnered both praise and controversy. Some believe it has stymied U.S. commercial land use and the ability to reap economic resources from the environment. In 1978, for example, Time reported that the conservation of a single wildflower, Maine’s Furbish lousewort, blocked a $668 million hydroelectric project — prompting one reader to write in with the declaration that, “If I were an out-of-work construction worker in Maine, I would sure take care of the Furbish lousewort — probably at night.” Yet, the legislation also saved the Bald Eagle, the Gray Wolf and the Peregrine Falcon, and is credited with saving 99% of the more than 1,600 species protected by the law. Norm Dicks, a former U.S. Representative, once said the “Endangered Species Act is the strongest and most effective tool we have to repair the environmental harm that is causing a species to decline.” We owe a debt of gratitude to those leaders of the past, from Grant and Roosevelt, to Nixon. From whooping cranes and eagles, to grizzly bears and Topeka Shiners, our world is a richer place today because we chose to do the hard work of conservation.

Kyle Carroll Left: Congress banned the commercial trapping and killing of bald eagles in 1940, strengthening restrictions in the '60s and '70s. After being reclassified from "endangered" to "threatened" in 1985, the bald eagle was de-listed in 2007. (Photo: MDC)

NOVEMBER - 2023

Feature Story

Trout Fishing in a Cold, Late-Winter Rain “Enjoy rain and embrace moments of still being alive, otherwise, you’ll just get wet.”

here are few better times to trout fish than during a light winter rain. Both trout and aquatic insects tend to be more active in low light, and cloudy conditions provide that setting over a longer part of the day. The fish are afforded better protection from aerial predators in low light, making them feed more confidently in the clear waters of a trout stream or lake. However, on a recent winter day during the Conservation Federation of Missouri Media Camp, the rain was heavy. Trout anglers stood on Lilly’s Landing dock and watched Lake Taneycomo’s surface being pelted with marblesized raindrops. The famed trout guide, Duane Doty, was in the crowd and someone asked: “Do you think it’s worth going out there today?” “The fish are already wet,” Doty answered. They don’t care, why should we?” Then he pulled on his rain parka, stepped in his boat and motored out into the deluge. A mixture of light fog and heavy rain made him disappear into the lake like a ghost slipping into the night. A couple more boats slipped out of the safe dock, including mine. The cold rain instantly slammed down on my rainsuit made by the Clam Corporation, mostly noted for ice fishing gear. I was comfortable and especially happy to own this weatherproof outfit.

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Feature Story The rain started slacking off while we motored down the lake and suddenly conditions were perfect. By then all three boats had reached the Trophy Area in sight of Table Rock Dam and the anglers were making casts towards shore with Doty Signature Jerk Baits. Doty could not find the correct colors of commercial jerk baits, so several years ago he started manufacturing his own to resemble skulpin minnow and shad colors found in the lake. The Signature Series took off and now most top anglers in trout lakes and rivers use these highlyproductive lures. Boats in the moisture-laden air resembled photos from magazines framed by steep Ozark Mountain ridges that borders the lake’s southern shore. The casts were frequent and retrieves solid and quick with jerks and then pauses to imitate a wounded bait fish. The trout responded. Doty set the hook on a big brown trout that started stripping reel drag immediately. The good fish went deep, the signature of a larger trout. Soon the brown that was seven pounds or larger swam insight of the boat before somehow escaping the sharp hooks and swimming away. Nathan “Shags” McLeod, renowned radio personality and outdoor journalist Ryan “Milo” Miloshewski both hooked brightly colored brown trout on jerk baits. Their stout fishing rods doubled as both big fish made several passes before being netted, photographed and released. Farther down the lake guide Robbie Dodson tossed out 1/8th ounce marabou jigs in a skulpin/crème color pattern. He cast it towards shore, let it sink, then jerked it back to the boat in an aggressively fast retrieve for a jig. The browns and rainbows responded with hard hits and good hook sets, not huge fish but several in the 1719-inch range. The sun came out and calm waters reflected an azure blue sky, great for tourism but terrible for trout. The fishing slowed down to a few smaller rainbow trout bites. Later that night Shags and Milo decided to try night fishing and had an experience that will be discussed around fishing camps for many years. Shags hooked a monster.

Cover: The author managed to catch one decent trout. (Photo: Robbie Dodson) Left: Phil Lilley and his black Labrador Retriever, Jackson, love to fish for big trout in Lake Taneycomo. (Photo: Kenneth L. Kieser)

“I set the hook on that fish and immediately knew a trophy brown trout had taken my lure,” Shags said. “The good fish dove and stayed deep through a good fight until Milo was able to slip a net under it. I was shocked after seeing my catch.” Flashlight beams in the net showed a big, toothy gar smiling at Milo and Shags. Gars are considered by most anglers to be the lowest of trash fish, although some cut through their tough skin with tin snips to find long strips of white meat. Brown trout are a top trophy fish and Shags had a big disappointment, but not his friends who had to laugh—imagine that. Winter on Taneycomo or any trout stream is an excellent time to fish. Most sane people stay home instead of braving the wet winter temperatures. The key is warm, rain-proof clothing that is flexible enough to cast and reel and the mindset to endure the weather. The day before rain set in was clear and warm. Outdoor writing icon Ken White, age 93, said he caught his big trout before the rain and it was my turn. I guess he wanted to see me get wet. I highly recommend staying at Lilley’s Landing when fishing Taneycomo. They have a big dock that guests of the resort fish on, generally catching rainbow trout. You can contact them at: 888-545-5397 or check their website. Check out Duane Doty’s Facebook page or you can call him at: 417-294-8672. To visit Branson, call: 800296-0463 or check their websites at: explorebranson.com. Kenneth L. Kieser NOVEMBER - 2023

Feature Story

Belch

hen our sons became teenagers, we hunted rabbits almost every weekend from November through the end of the season on February 15. We had a large pack of dogs consisting of 6 beagles, a basset hound, at least one, sometimes two Labradors and often a Vizsla. I had a big bunch of rabbit trailing dogs because I enjoyed the noise when the dogs were hot on a trail. The racket was incredible. Training this many dogs for hunting required effort and thought. It was easy to train the beagles to hunt rabbits. I let the young beagles run with the older beagles on our 40 acres in Moniteau County. It took about a week for the young beagles to understand the process.

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Before a young beagle could hunt with the rest of the pack on a trip away from home, it had to earn 3 check marks. This was the hard part of training beagles. First, they had to let me catch them when I got close. I never expected a beagle to break off a hot rabbit chase when I called. But I did expect them to stop running when I ran up to them and yelled, “Whoa.” It can be very frustrating when it is time to stop hunting and not being able to round up the dogs. I gave away several excellent rabbit trailing beagles that would not allow me to catch them even when they were not chasing a rabbit.

Feature Story Second, they had to hunt with the rest of the pack. When one beagle opened on a rabbit trail, all the beagles had to honor that bay and join the chase. The whole purpose of having a pack of beagles is to find those sneaky rabbits using clever, evasive maneuvers. It is a lot harder to shake six beagles off the trail than one or two. It is easy to lose a beagle that is a solo hunter and a solo hunter can call the rest of the pack off the rabbit trail if they lose the scent for a short time. Also, a lone beagle may join another hunter’s beagles when they get close. Once again, I gave away several beagles that never learned to hunt with the others. The final check mark was the beagle could not be gun shy. This sometimes was a difficult process even starting with very young beagles and gradually introducing loud noise. I had several beagles that were never comfortable with the sound of a shotgun and would stop hunting after a few rounds of gunfire. We took the Labrador and Vizsla rabbit hunting at Mrs. Urich’s insistence because they would bark continuously in the outdoor kennel until we returned. Actually, the Labrador was helpful because I didn’t have to bend over and pick up a rabbit. Both dogs were good at tracking down a wounded or dead rabbit that had run off. The beagles would often ignore a dead rabbit and look for a fresh trail. I had 3 Vizslas over the years, and they all got good at pointing rabbits that were hiding in the grass or thick cover. I hunted with many upland bird hunters who were appalled that I hunted rabbits with a Vizsla. Both my Labradors and Vizslas required special training to make them stay at my side when the beagles were chasing a rabbit because they wanted to join in. This process became easier with the invention of the wireless electric collar. We hunted three types of cottontail rabbits. There was the primary rabbit that the beagles were currently chasing. Sometimes, the pack would break into two groups and one group would chase the secondary rabbit while the other group continued with the primary rabbit. Then there were the incidental rabbits hiding in the vegetation, and we spooked as we walked along while the beagles chased the primary or secondary rabbits. The Labrador and Vizsla were comfortable retrieving all three types of rabbits. When I hunted with people not familiar with rabbit hunting behind beagles, we didn’t shoot the incidental rabbits because it can be hard to keep track of all the dogs in thick cover before firing.

Belch about 2 months after he was rescued. (Photo: David Urich)

The most important dog in the pack was the lead beagle. No matter which beagle struck the trail first and started baying, the lead beagle would jump into the lead and the others would follow in a line. No beagle ever passed the lead beagle. I never understood how a beagle became the leader of the pack but the leader held that position until too old to hunt. The lead beagle set the pace of the hunt and a fast lead beagle was important when hunting with our teenage sons who were interested in lots of rabbit shooting. The lead beagle was also responsible for making sure the other beagles were following the rabbit in the right direction. I always wondered how beagles knew which direction the rabbit was running, but they rarely got it wrong. One of our favorite hunting spots was the Lamine River Conservation Area in Cooper County. There was a separate 120-acre unit east of the main conservation area that was excellent rabbit hunting. The previous landowner had cut a half mile of Osage orange fencerow trees in an L shape at one corner which provided excellent cover for rabbits. We were hunting one morning when I noticed the bay from one of my beagles didn’t seem quite right. I could recognize the bay of all the beagles because they were a little different. But with six beagles and the basset working in and out of the cut Osage orange trees, it was difficult to separate the sounds from each dog. Then the beagles ran by me and I counted seven beagles. We had picked up a walk-on, which often happens especially when there are other hunters around. But we were the only hunters. NOVEMBER - 2023

Feature Story After hunting most of the day with the guest beagle, we headed to the truck and loaded all the dogs. There was the 7th beagle looking up at me with his big brown, sad eyes and waging his tail. The dog had no collar, was obviously malnourished and needed a good meal. Based on the conformation of the front legs, it looked like a cross between a basset and a beagle but he was a small dog. Since he had earned his three check marks during the day, I loaded him into the truck. On the way home, our sons discussed a name and settled on Belch. The dog had a short, scratchy, low bay that sounded like someone burping and our sons thought Belch was a more suitable name than Burp. Traditionally, I named my beagles after cuts of meat like Pork Chop, Ribeye, T-Bone and Porterhouse. It took about 4 weeks to feed Belch up to his fighting weight. During that time, Belch went hunting with us and it became immediately apparent that Belch brought a unique skill set to the team. He was a brush pile dog. The other beagles often disappeared into a big brush pile but not with the tenacity of Belch. The other dogs picked up on Belch’s talent quickly. When we approached a large brush pile, the other beagles distributed themselves around the perimeter and waited. The Labrador and Vizsla ran round to the other side to block. Belch walked up to the brush pile and raised his snoot to sniff. If there were no rabbits, he moved on. But if there were rabbits, he used his short powerful front legs to force himself inside and the rabbits poured out. I always took his collar off during our hunts because I didn’t want it to get hung up inside a brush pile. Sometimes getting Belch out of a brush pile was difficult. We would distribute ourselves around the perimeter and when Belch got close to the edge, we charged and yelled, “Whoa” loudly. He usually stopped and could be pulled out. I was hunting on the Mora Conservation in Benton County with three other hunters after a major renovation of the habitat through mechanical tree and brush removal. There were huge dozer piles 15 to 20 feet high and 30 to 40 feet across. All the dogs understood the procedure. They circled the brush pile and Belch forced himself inside. When hunting with others not familiar with shooting at rabbits coming out of a big brush pile, I insisted they not shoot at the first rabbit that came out.

The beagles would always see it before the hunters and give chase. I didn’t want the dogs accidently shot and about half the time the pack would bring the rabbit back to the same brush pile. We hunted for about three hours at only two large brush piles before we all had a limit of rabbits. Unfortunately, it took about 30 minutes to finally get Belch out of the second brush pile. He was just getting warmed up. Taking care of a large pack of dogs was not an issue for me when I had three canine technicians living at home. In exchange for taking our sons hunting most weekends during the winter, they had to tend to the dogs twice daily and reload their own shotgun shells plus mine. We had Belch for six years before he was too old to hunt. I had other brush pile dogs after Belch, but none with his persistence and unique deep, rough bay. Many times, I watched beagles give up on a brush pile with rabbits still on the inside that Belch would have chased out before emerging and looking for the next brush pile. David Urich Cover: From the left, Kirk, David, Tim and Aaron Urich with five beagles and a Labrador after a rabbit hunt in central Moniteau County. (Photo: David Urich) Top: Aaron Urich holding a basset hound named Porterhouse on the Schell Osage Conservation Area, Saint Clair County. (Photo: David Urich)

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

MARCH 1st-3rd Virtual Feb. 26-29 Lodge of the Four Seasons Lake of the Ozarks, MO

88th Annual Convention AWARD CEREMONY MEETINGS BANQUET AUCTION AND MORE!

More information coming soon! Check our website!

More information coming in the January/February issue of the Conservation Federation Magazine!

confedmo.org/convention

Don't miss out on CFM's largest event of the year!

Holiday Auction December 4-14, 2023 www.confedmo.org/auction

NOVEMBER - 2023

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NOVEMBER - 2023

Feature Story

Everyone Needs

A Special Place

close the book I was reading, lean back and watch the autumn leaves flutter through the air before landing on the glassy surface of the creek.

My eyes pick out a single leaf clinging to the tree above me. It moves with the gentle breeze until a gust of wind causes it to relax its grip and start its dance to the water. The water slightly ripples when it lands. It just sits there for a moment as if resting. Then the current grabs it, and it floats away. I watch as long as I can, then wonder how far it will travel until it reaches its final resting place. With the leaf gone, my eyes turn to the beauty of the trees reflected in the water. My ears listen to the soothing sounds of flowing water. My mind wanders back to all the memories made at this special place on this special creek. It’s called Bull Creek. It starts as a gurgling spring, and winds for many miles through the hills and valleys of the Missouri Ozarks. It meanders under rusted bridges, past limestone bluffs, old cemeteries, open fields, and a cabin on a rock bluff above the creek.

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Near the cabin, rushing water had carved out a deep hole perfect for fishing, swimming, and snorkeling. It is here I sit at this place with a book in hand, staring at the water, and thinking about all the memories. Here is where one grandson and a granddaughter caught their first fish. Now they’re grown and married. It won’t be long before they take their kids to catch their first fish. Spring rains nearly always flood the banks. The power of the water is something to behold and fear. Spring also means dogwoods, redbuds, and wildflowers reflecting in the blue water. I always listened to the sounds of peeper frogs and kingfishers announcing that spring is here. When early summer arrived, it was time to take the annual first swim of the year in this cold, spring-fed creek. The grandkid’s tradition was to push their Papa in and then laugh as I came up screaming and gasping for air. They always thought I was kidding, but I wasn’t.

Cover: Everyone loved to play in the creek. (Photo: Larry Whiteley) Right: Bull Creek flows through the Ozarks hills. (Photo: Larry Whiteley)

Feature Story As summer continued, this special place played host to family, friends, and neighbors. Fishing continued, air mattresses dotted the water, and lawn chairs lined the banks.

He struck at it and caught the hook in his mouth. I didn’t have much experience unhooking a writhing, mad water snake. I was sure thankful the line broke before I had to try to get the snake off.

Saving tadpoles trapped in little pools of water and moving them safely to the creek was a favorite grandkid activity. Catching crawdads was enjoyed by young and old alike. Those “rotten” grandkids would laugh again when Papa would get pinched by an upset crawdad.

When it was hot outside, and there was no one else around, there was nothing better or more relaxing than heading to the creek, sitting on a lawn chair in the water under the shade of a big old tree, and reading a good book. I could usually make it through several chapters before the rippling water lulled me to sleep.

The clear waters of Bull Creek made snorkeling a popular thing to do for everyone who visited. The underwater world is fascinating! Bluegill would swim right up to your face or nibble at you as you floated along in the water. Bass and hog suckers didn’t want anything to do with these homo sapiens that had invaded their home and would skitter along ahead. Sunfish usually guarded their nest or hid back under a rock ledge. Many colorful minnows would swim around in schools continually battling the swift water. I remember the time I snorkeled under the water and took some real lobster claws from a recent cookout and placed them where they stuck out under a rock ledge. They looked like the granddaddy of all crawdads lurking under a rock. I then watched as my neighbor Bob snorkeled closer and closer to where I had hidden them. I still laugh when I think about the look on his face when he came up out of the water. If you were lucky or unlucky, depending on your fear of snakes, you might even get a chance to swim along with a 4-foot-long water snake. No, it wasn’t a fake snake. And no I am not scared of snakes. At least as long as I knew they weren’t venomous. I was a little nervous one time. I dangled a crappie jig in front of a snake.

As summer turned to fall, I still enjoyed taking a book to the creek. If grandkids came down, we fished or had rock skipping contests. When our Wisconsin grandkids visited they liked to find rocks with holes in them or what they called “beautiful” rocks on the gravel bars. It was also the time of year when you might surprise a pair of wood ducks as they paddled along in the water, catch a glimpse of a whitetail deer or wild turkey at the edge of the water, or even see a beaver busily working on his winter home. Family and friends trips to the cabin became infrequent when winter arrived. Sometimes I would wrap up warm and go down to the creek to see the frozen water along the banks. I was always hopeful I would see an eagle perched in a tree or flying overhead. If it snowed, I would sit down on a log, enjoy the peaceful serenity, and think about everything that took place there over the years. As the grandkids got older they stopped coming. This special place had lost its magic to them. They would prefer to go boating on big lakes or do other things. Now they’re off to college or married. Grandma and I got older too. We eventually sold the cabin on the bluff to a young couple with twin 6-year-old girls. Now they make their own memories. I still come back once in a while by myself to enjoy this special place on the creek. The leaves continue to fall and now cover the water like a multi-colored blanket. I stand, put my book under my arm, and wipe the tears from my eyes. I soak in the beauty of this special place one more time before turning to get in my truck and drive back home to Grandma. Everyone needs a special place to go to and make memories. Larry Whiteley NOVEMBER - 2023

Outdoor News

MDC Asks Deer Hunters to Share the Harvest and Follow CWD Regulations

he Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages deer hunters to share their harvests to help feed hungry Missourians. MDC also reminds deer hunters to have their deer tested for chronic wasting disease (CWD) and follow related regulations. Share the Harvest MDC encourages deer hunters to share their harvests by donating surplus venison to the Share the Harvest program to help feed hungry Missourians. The donated deer meat goes to local food banks and food pantries to help feed hungry Missourians all around the state. To get Share the Harvest venison, contact local food banks or food pantries. Donating is easy. Simply take harvested deer to an approved meat processor and let the processor know how much venison to donate. Meat-processing fees are covered entirely or in part by numerous local sponsors, along with statewide sponsors.

Deer harvested from CWD Management Zone counties may only be donated to Share the Harvest if they are tested for CWD. Donations must go to a meat processor participating in the Share the Harvest CWD Testing Program. Deer harvested outside of the CWD Management Zone do not need to be tested for donation to Share the Harvest and may be taken to any Share the Harvest processor.

The program is administered by the Conservation Federation of Missouri and MDC and has provided nearly 5 million pounds of lean, healthy venison to help feed hungry Missourians since it was started in 1992.

For more information on Share the Harvest, visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/share.

The National Institutes of Health state that children need protein in their diets for proper growth and development, and adults need it to maintain good health. Yet many Missourians can't afford or can't get to good sources of protein. Through Share the Harvest, Missouri hunters can help provide those in need with high-quality protein in the form of naturally lean, locally harvested deer meat.

CWD is a deadly, infectious disease in deer and other members of the deer family (cervids) that eventually kills all animals it infects. There is no vaccine or cure. CWD is in Missouri and MDC continues its efforts to limit the spread of CWD by finding new cases as early as possible and managing the disease to slow its spread to more deer in more areas.

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Follow CWD Regulations

Outdoor News MDC’s CWD Management Zone consists of counties where or near where CWD has been found. MDC has included 14 new counties as part of the CWD Management Zone this year: Bollinger, Caldwell, Carroll, Clay, Clinton, Dallas, Grundy, Jasper, Livingston, Madison, Montgomery, Pemiscot, Ray, and Schuyler. As with all counties in the CWD Management Zone, grain, salt products, minerals, and other consumable products used to attract deer are prohibited yearround. Hunters must also follow carcass transportation regulations. The antler-point restriction has also been removed from Caldwell, Carroll, Clinton, Grundy, Livingston, Montgomery, Ray, and Schuyler counties. Hunters who harvest deer in select CWD Management Zone counties during Nov. 11-12 must take the deer (or its head) on the day of harvest to a mandatory CWD sampling station. Hunters must also follow carcass-movement restrictions when bringing parts of harvested deer and other cervids into Missouri from another state. Learn more about CWD and related regulations and restrictions online at mdc. mo.gov/cwd. CWD Sampling and Testing All Season As part of its efforts to find cases of CWD early and help slow its spread, MDC is again offering free voluntary CWD sampling and testing of harvested deer during the entire deer season at select locations throughout the state, including some MDC offices and participating taxidermists and meat processors. MDC also offers self-service freezer drop-off locations within the CWD Management Zone for hunters to deposit harvested deer heads to have tested for CWD. Instructions, packing supplies, and information tags are available at the sites. Get more information on voluntary sampling and drop-off locations online at mdc.mo.gov/ cwd.

Get More Information Get more information on deer hunting in Missouri from MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/ deer and from MDC’s 2023 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available online and where permits are sold. Buy Missouri hunting permits from numerous vendors around the state, online at mdc.mo.gov/permits or through MDC’s free mobile app, MO Hunting, available for download through Google Play or the App Store.

Hunters can get their CWD test results for free online at mdc.mo.gov/cwdResults. Results are usually available within four weeks or less from the time of sampling.

NOVEMBER - 2023

Outdoor News

New Gasconade River Access at Jerome

he Missouri Department of Conservation dedicated the new Gasconade River Access at Jerome, on Friday morning, September 1st with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Department staff, State and Local elected officials, as well as representatives from the builders, Twehous Excavating Company of Jefferson City, were on hand to make the project opening official. MDC Commission Chairman Steve Harrison and Deputy Director Jason Sumners gave remarks about the reasoning for the new development. For decades, the Jerome access was damaged during times of flood and had been rebuilt unsuccessfully numerous times, so a decision was made to find and build a new access location on higher ground. A property was located right at the Highway D bridge crossing the Gasconade River at the confluence of the Little Piney Creek and the town of Jerome. The bridge marks the downstream boundary of the Special Regulations Smallmouth section of the river and is just minutes from I-44. It took some major blasting and excavation, but this ramp and parking area are fantastic and provide excellent access to the river.

So, former MDC Commissioner Dave Murphy thought we should try it out. We launched and headed a couple of miles upstream into the special regulations area. We stopped at the end of a shallow eddy and started fishing with jigs, tubes, topwater, spinner baits and swim baits working our way back to the bridge. Our catching was immediate, we got bites on almost every cast; Smallmouth, Largemouth, Spotted Bass, Goggle Eye, White Bass, Crappie, and Drum were all caught and released. It was quite the day on the river and this outstanding new access provided by the state is much appreciated. People wanting information on other MDC accesses and fishing opportunities on the Gasconade River or elsewhere in the state can visit mdc.mo.gov/ fishing/where-fish. You should check it out for yourself.

Scott Pauley Photos by Scott Pauley

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Member News

Time to Vote in January

he Nominating Committee has selected the following nominees as candidates in the 2024 Board and Officer Election. The election will be conducted electronically in January. Each candidate's bio and short video will be available on the CFM Website: www.confedmo.org/boardelections Voting in the 2024 election will take place electronically during the month of January. The results will be announced prior to the CFM Annual Convention. You must have a paid-up CFM membership for your vote to count. If you have any questions, please contact Michelle at the CFM office.

Positions to be voted on: At-Large Board Positions (4 positions open): Katherine Brookshire Joe Cater JD Kehrman Leanne Tippett Mosby Adam Sapp Emily Porter Schrader Katie Wiesehan Dan Zerr

Executive Committee (2 positions): Steve Jones Michael Schallon Katie Wiesehan National Wildlife Federation alternative representative (1 position): John Hickey Leanne Tippett Mosby Vice-president (1 position): Steve Jones President-elect (1 position): Ginny Wallace

“By voting, we add our voice to the chorus that forms opinions and the basis for actions.” - Jens Stoltenberg

NOVEMBER - 2023

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Feature Story

Protect Our Natural Heritage: Recognize and Treat Invasive Plants with Help from MoIP

ocally and globally, invasive plants and animals are the second leading cause of native biodiversity decline and also threaten the economic stability of the forest product, livestock, and outdoor industries. In terms of invasive plants, Missouri has an excellent resource to help landowners and outdoor enthusiasts tackle them: the Missouri Invasive Plant (MoIP) Council, which advocates for making early detection and control of known and potential invasive plants a statewide priority. What is MoIP? In 2015, the Missouri Prairie Foundation’s Grow Native! program spearheaded MoIP—a multi-agency, multi-industry networking and advocacy group to bolster statewide efforts to identify and control the invasive plant species that severely impact several sectors of the Missouri economy and native biodiversity. The purpose of MoIP—working as a united, supportive front—is to review, discuss, and recommend educational and regulatory action related to managing known and potential non-native invasive plants. Representatives from the fields of conservation, agriculture, botanical science, ecological services, plant production, horticulture, landscape services and design, and arboriculture serve on the MoIP Council.

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

Resources to Help •

MoIP has developed a ranked assessment of 146 invasive plants, searchable by scientific and common name. Maps for each species indicate impact, abundance, and rate of spread in Missouri. This resource helps land managers prioritize invasive plant action. Find the assessment here: moinvasives.org/moip-assessment/.

Feature Story •

The MoIP website offers a searchable database with photos of many common invasive plants, together with treatment information. For example, non-native bush honeysuckle is easy to spot in the fall and into winter as its leaves remain on the branches after leaves of native deciduous trees and shrubs have fallen. Identifying and treating this highly invasive shrub that chokes out native vegetation in woodlands and forests is critically important to the future of native biodiversity as well as to the regeneration of oaks and the forest products industry.

•

At moinvasives.org, you can find downloadable posters of top expanding invasives statewide and by region.

•

MoIP invites landowners, municipalities, neighborhoods, campuses, businesses, and other entities that have plans in place to control invasive plants to take the “Stop the Spread” of invasives pledge. To date, 194 landowners and others have taken the pledge.

•

MoIP encourages Missourians to report locations of invasive plants using the Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (EDDSMapS), maintained by the University of Georgia. Learn more at moinvasives.org/moip-resources/reportingtools/

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MoIP produces a free, quarterly enewsletter with useful information on invasive plants to treat by season and invasive plant news. To subscribe, visit moinvasives.org/join-newsletter/.

•

For comprehensive invasive plant information, including the resources mentioned above, visit moinvasives.org.

Carol Davit Carol Davit is the chair of the Missouri Invasive Plant Council (MoIP) and the executive director of the Missouri Prairie Foundation and its Grow Native! program.

The red berries of non-native, invasive bush honeysuckle are eaten and spread by birds. The berries are high in sugar and low in fat—the opposite of what sustains birds in cold months. Removing bush honeysuckle makes room for native shrubs, trees, and other plants that sustain native wildlife. (Photo: Scott Woodbury)

Understanding Invasive Species

For those confused by the various categories of plants, MoIP provides these definitions: Native Native plants originally occur within a region as the result of natural processes and are adapted to local climate and soils. They have co-evolved with native insects and wildlife and are critical to ecosystem functions. For MoIP’s purposes, native plants are those species present prior to widespread European settlement. Non-native Non-native plants are those introduced (intentionally or accidentally) to a new place or new type of habitat. Historically, most of these introductions have resulted from human activities. Since they did not evolve locally over thousands of years, their presence can often have negative impacts on endemic ecosystems. The words “exotic,” “alien,” and “introduced” are synonyms for “non-native.” Note: not all non-native plants are invasive and these generally are not the focus of MoIP’s attention. Aggressive Aggressive plants are species that, usually because of human-caused disturbances, spread rapidly and can outcompete other plant species. Aggressive plants can be native or non-native, and they may be aggressive in some situations, but not in others. Invasive An invasive plant species is an aggressive, non-native species whose presence causes or is likely to cause economic harm or environmental harm. These species grow and reproduce rapidly. (Modified from Invasive. org.) MoIP is most concerned with invasive species because of their direct negative impacts.

NOVEMBER - 2023

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TOP 2 5 STATEWIDE EXPA NDING I N V A S I V E P L A N T S

Invasive: An aggressive, non-native species whose presence causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm Expanding: Spreading at a high rate

Missouri is threatened by many invasive plants. Because of their vigorous expansion, the invasive plants pictured below are particularly important to identify and control. Learning how to identify and remove them from your property is the first step in protecting the vitality of Missouri’s natural and agricultural lands. For more information on identification and removal, visit the Missouri Invasive Plant Council (MoIP) website. 1.

Sericea lespedeza

Callery pear

Lespedeza cuneata

Bush honeysuckles

Pyrus calleryana

Reed canary grass

Lonicera spp.

Phalaris arundinacea

Image credit: Dan Tenagila, Bugwood.

Image credit: MO Dept of Conservation. Leslie J. Mehrhoff, Bugwood.

Image credit: Chris Evans, Bugwood. Richard Gardner, Bugwood.

Image credit: Jamie Nielsen, Bugwood. Chris Evans, Bugwood.

Garlic mustard Alliaria petiolata

Himalayan blackberry

Japanese honeysuckle

10.

Rubus armeniacus

11.

Japanese knotweed

Microstegium vimineum

Celastrus orbiculatus

Image credit: Chris Evans, Bugwood.

Japanese stiltgrass

Oriental bittersweet

Lonicera japonica

Elaeagnus umbellata

Image credit: Chris Evans, Bugwood.

Autumn olive

12.

Privets Ligustrum spp.

Fallopia japonica

Image credit: Leslie J. Mehrhoff, Bugwood.

Image credit: Chris Evans, Bugwood.

Image credit: Andreas Rockstein, Flickr.

Image credit: Richard Gardner, Bugwood. James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.

13.

14.

15.

16.

Climbing euonymus Euonymus fortunei

Image credit: Chris Evans, Bugwood.

17.

Spotted knapweed

21.

Non-Native wisterias Wisteria floribunda Wisteria sinensis

Burning bush

Image credit: David J. Moorhead, Bugwood. Steve Dewey, Bugwood.

Image credit: Chris Evans, Bugwood. John Ruter, Bugwood.

18.

19.

Common reed

20.

Japanese chaff flower

Dipsacus spp.

Image credit: Leslie J. Mehrhoff, Bugwood. Rob Routledge, Bugwood.

Image credit: Chris Evans, Bugwood.

22.

23.

Bromus inermis

Humulus japonicus

Image credit: Leslie J. Mehrhoff, Bugwood.

Teasels

Phragmites Australis

Smooth brome

Japanese hops

Euonymus alatus

Sorghum halepense

Centaurea stoebe

Image credit: Leslie J. Mehrhoff, Bugwood. Rob Routledge, Bugwood.

Johnson grass

Achyranthes japonica

Image credit: Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.

Sweet autumn virginsbower Clematis terniflora

This plant information is provided by the MoIP Ranked Assessment of Invasive Plants. Image credit: Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.

Image credit: Chris Evans, Bugwood. Dave Powell, Bugwood.

24.

25.

Birdsfoot trefoil Lotus corniculatus

Image credit: Chris Evans, University of Illinois. Richard Webb, Bugwood.org

Old-World bluestems Bothriochloa spp.

WWW.MOINVASIVES.ORG/RESOURCES @MOINVASIVES Image credit: Chris Evans, Bugwood. John Munt, Flickr.

Image credit: Karan A. Rawlins, Bugwood. Michelle Villafranca, Bugwood.

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TO P 25 STATEWI D E I N VA S I VE PL A N TS

Invasive: An aggressive, non-native species whose presence causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm

Missouri is threatened by many invasive plants. The plants pictured below are particularly important to identify and control because they are currently the worst invasive plants in Missouri. Learning how to identify and remove them from your property is the first step in protecting the vitality of Missouri’s natural and agricultural lands. For more information on identification and removal, visit the Missouri Invasive Plant Council (MoIP) website. 1.

Sericea lespedeza

Callery pear

Lespedeza cuneata

Bush honeysuckles

Pyrus calleryana

Reed canary grass

Lonicera spp.

Phalaris arundinacea

Image credit: Dan Tenagila, Bugwood.

Image credit: MO Dept of Conservation. Leslie J. Mehrhoff, Bugwood.

Image credit: Chris Evans, Bugwood. Richard Gardner, Bugwood.

Image credit: Jamie Nielsen, Bugwood. Chris Evans, Bugwood.

Garlic mustard Alliaria petiolata

Himalayan blackberry

10.

Rubus armeniacus

13.

14.

Purple loosestrifes

17.

Tall fescue

Image credit: Chris Evans, Bugwood.

Japanese knotweed

12.

Privets Ligustrum spp.

Image credit: Andreas Rockstein, Flickr.

Image credit: Richard Gardner, Bugwood. James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.

15.

16.

Russian olive

Multiflora rose Rosa multiflora

Elaeagnus angustifolia

Image credit: L.L. Berry, Bugwood. Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.

Image credit: John Ruter, Univ. of GA, Bugwood. Steve Dewey, Utah State Univ., BugWood.

Image credit: Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.

18.

19.

20.

Festuca arundinacea

Johnson grass

Burning bush

Sorghum halepense

Image credit: Howard F. Schwartz, Bugwood. Ohio State Weed Lab, Bugwood.

Image credit: David J. Moorhead, Bugwood. Steve Dewey, Bugwood.

21.

22.

Spotted knapweed

Celastrus orbiculatus

Fallopia japonica

Lythrum salicaria Lythrum virgatum

Euonymus fortunei

Image credit: Chris Evans, Bugwood.

11.

Microstegium vimineum

Image credit: Chris Evans, Bugwood.

Oriental bittersweet

Lonicera japonica

Image credit: Chris Evans, Bugwood.

Japanese stiltgrass

Image credit: Leslie J. Mehrhoff, Bugwood.

Climbing euonymus

Japanese honeysuckle

Elaeagnus umbellata

Image credit: Chris Evans, Bugwood.

Autumn olive

Centaurea stoebe

Image credit: Chris Evans, Bugwood. John Ruter, Bugwood.

Tree of heaven Ailanthus altissima

Japanese hops

Euonymus alatus

23.

Humulus japonicus

Image credit: Leslie J. Mehrhoff, Bugwood.

Common reed Phragmites Australis

This plant information is provided by the MoIP Ranked Assessment of Invasive Plants. Image credit: Leslie J. Mehrhoff, Bugwood. Rob Routledge, Bugwood.

Image credit: Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia, Bugwood.

24.

25.

Weeping lovegrass Eragrostis curvula

Image credit: Leslie J. Mehrhoff, Bugwood. Rob Routledge, Bugwood.

Curly-Leaf pondweed Potamogeton crispus

WWW.MOINVASIVES.ORG/RESOURCES @MOINVASIVES Image credit: John Ruter, Univ. of Georgia, Bugwood. Forest and Kim Starr, Starr Environmental, Bugwood.

Image credit: Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.

THE FABRIC OF MISSOURI

Quaker Windows & Doors Freeburg and Eldon, MO quakerwindows.com

Missouri Wildflowers Nursery 9814 Pleasant Hill Rd Jefferson City MO 65109 www.mowildflowers.net mowldflrs@socket.net 573-496-3492

The original seed source of our plants is from wild populations found growing in Missouri. Our plants are as “wild” as we can possibly keep them. 3 Flowers, Grasses, Trees, Shrubs, Vines, sedges, pond plants. 3 Plants for full sun, full shade and anywhere in between.. 3 Seed, seed mixes, and custom blends. 3 Expert advice.

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

CFM MEMBERS RECEIVE RATES DISCOUNTED AT

10 %

DR U R Y HOTE L S . COM 80 0- D R U R Y I N N

You’ve got it bagged with legendary Hodgdon powders. Phone 913-362-9455 www.hodgdon.com

Free Hot Breakfast Free Hot Food & Cold Beverages at 5:30 Kickback Free Wi-Fi Throughout the Hotel 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

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Proud to support our outdoor heritage

missouriwine.org

Missouri’s Electric Cooperatives

NOVEMBER - 2023

SMOKED MEATS

— SINCE 1927 — 32819 HIGHWAY 87

® SMOKEHOUSE.COM 1-800-624-5426

CALIFORNIA, MISSOURI

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we buy

CONSERVATION LEADERSHIP CORPS

White Oak Logs!  Top prices for your logs  Professional service  Experienced log buyers

Engaging youth in sustaining the conservation of our natural resources

Andy Holloway | 662 .6 0 3 .9 9 8 5 www.independentstavecompany.com

IT A B K R OZA CKLE & TA

• LIVE BAIT • ARCHERY • TACKLE

• GUNS

• PERMITS

• AMMO

VERSAILLES, MO LAURIE, MO 573-378-2220 573-374-6065 www.edgarssports.com

CONSERVATION FEDERATION

GRAVOIS MILLS, MO *Storage Only* 30’ & 40’ Storage Units

Planning Your Future? Include the Conservation Federation of Missouri in your estate plans. Leave a legacy for the natural resources and traditions you have valued throughout your life. Make CFM a beneficiary of your will, trust, life insurance policy, or retirement plan. Any amount helps preserve Missouri’s resources and natural history for generations to come. What will your legacy be? Call 573-634-2322 to find out more information.

PROUD PARTNER Bass Pro Shops® is proud to serve the sportsmen and women of Missouri. Since our doors first opened in 1972, we have remained dedicated to the conservation and enjoyment of our resources in the state we call home. Learn more at basspro.com/conservation BP231229275

NOVEMBER - 2023